Tr 

.acnrf-  RoOlLl-                    .     .              

George  Washington  Flowers 
Memorial  Collection 

DUKE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 

ESTABLISHED  BY  THE 

FAMILY  OF 

COLONEL  FLOWERS 

.sure  Room 

PBR. 


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o. 


<2-«-/u^  '1C*Aa*-1.    r'^-*''*^  ^^   '^^  ^!    ■  ^  -~^L/«.«>/wf'   ^ 


NAMES,  DATES,  PLACES,  &c.,  CF  BATTLES  L\  WHICH  THE  BRIGADE  HAS  PARTICIPATED. 


I.ETTKR 

DATTl.ES. 

OF  BAT. 

fal  Verde 

A 

51oncttR 

B 

Jolvc'Ston 

C 

iisiand 

D 

franklm 

E 

Vermilion  Bayou 

F 

irashear  City 

G 

'ort  liutlei' 

H 

.alourcho 

I 

'orilocbe 

K 

liirbcaiix 

L 

lan,-field* 

M 

'leasant  Hill 

N 

ouett's  Ferry 

O 

[ansura 

P 

(>llow  Ravnu 

Q 

Texas 
Louisiana 


Feb.  21, 1863 
March  'IS.  1SG3 
.lamiary  1,  18C3 
April  13,  14  '63 
April  14, 1863 
Apr!)  17, 18C3 
June  23,  18(i3 
June  28,  1883 
July  13,  ISUS 
Sept.  ai).  1863 
Nov.  3.  1863 
April  8,  1864 
Apiil9,  1864 
April  23, 1864 
May  16,  1864 
May  IS.  -ISM. 


C05!D  I!  CHIEF.  BltlG.    COMD  U 


H.  H.  Sibley 

■Scurry 

Magruder 

Taylor 

Riely 

Taylor 

Taylor 

Green 

Green 

Green 

Green 

&  Taylor 


Wharton 
Wharton 


Green 

Scurry 

Uioly 

Riely 

Hampton 

Green 

Green 

Green 

Green 

Bagby 

Bagby 

Bagby 

divided 

Bagby 

Waller 

Hardeman 


i:i:ii  ■ 


ScurJy 

Ragiet 

Harcim.in 

Hampton 

Leastre 

HamtKon 

0  rosea 

Hardiman 

Ham  >ton 

Hamitau 

Hart  jmaa 

Ham^toa 

Hamjtoa 

Hardiman 

CrosfjD 

Hamilton 


McNeill 
Shropshre 
McNeill 
Green 


Pridgeon 

Shannon 

Shannon 

McPhail 

Killoiigi 

McNeill 

McNeill 

McN'eill 

McPhail 

MtPhail 

McPhiil 


Sutton 
Hoffman 
Hoffman 
Bagby 


Herbert 
Herbe.'t 
Herbert 
Herbert 
Kirksey 
Herbert 
Herbert 
Hotfman 
Hoti'man 
Hoffman 
Hoffman 


Waller 
Boone 


Bjouc 

Boone 
McDade 
Waller 
McDade 


McDiide 
McDade 


2650 
1050 
5860 
4827 
840 
83U 
1560 
1500 
1400 
2400 
3600 
9000 
1400 
5300 
8500 
8400 


Canby 

Slough 

Renshaw 

Banks 

Grover 

Emory 


Not  known 

Whitzel 

Dana 

Burbridge 

Banks 

Banks 

Banks 

McClernand 

A.J.  Smith 


FOKCKS  KILLED  WOUN  D  SllSSIXG 


7680 

3080 
C88 
38,000 
9800 
8800 
1890 


6500 
1260 
5000 
I'i.OOO 
34,000 
32,000 
31,000 
15.000 


619 
261 

83 
424 
434 
173 

76 

39 
631 

95 
480 
680 
18-20 
170 
215 
382 


36 


1795 

None 
250 
490 
GOO 
2869 
280 


II  K  M  A  K  K  S  . 


H'e  History,  Part  U 

Riely  killed. 

Gobbled  the  'concern.' 
One  of  the  "things." 
One  of  the  "victories." 
Brilliant  affair." 

The  "Bull  Run"  ofLv. 
See  History,  Pari  lU- 


•The  reader  is  referred  to  the  various  official  reports  of  the  above  engagements  jiven  in  the  accompanying  volume.  At  Mansfield,  Col.  W.  P.  Hardeman  is  justly  entitled  to  the  credit  of  commanding  the  Brigade,  for  the 
)llowing  reasons  At  9J  o'clock,  A.  M.,  Col.  Bagby,  who  was  in  the  rear  of  the  Brigad.;  commanding,  received  orders  to  move  the  Brigade  further  to  the  left,  and  take  up  his  position  on  the  Gravel  IliU  road,  which  order  he 
imself  obeyed.    Before  reaching  the  place  designated  by  Gen.  Green's  order,  orders  visfe  received  to  countermarch,  which  order  was  executed  by  Col.  Hardeman.    The  battle  was  over  before  commanders  were  again  changed.. 

This  table  gives  only  the  battles.  A  table  containing  the  skirmishes  will  be  fowf  in  the  appendix.  At  Pleasant  Bill  the  Brigade  was  divided.  Hardeman,  with  his  Rogiraent  and  Col.  Terrell's,  operated  ou  the  cx4ieiuo 
ijbt     The  other  Regiments  of  the  Brigade  were  to  the  left. 

Tba  index  letter  of  a  battle  will  be  found  to  the  names  of  all  who  were  killed  or  TOundeJ  in  that  engagement . 

.nuy..")!/. 


!-|^fJS 


r- 


Tal.l.  Sliou.ns  Di-inn..^  .(  M;:rrl:- od  Dir^fl  Hr.Bo^  frum  D.ile  ot  U.»ani/aUuu  i«  Pn'viit  Datr. 


1 

.-1 

<,  ■      ■ 

1' 

( 
( 
1 

\: 

). 

1 

'l 

llnanntma 

■  ■■» 

i 


oImHSInI* 


\!>jor  ni'Tm4i 


iTHM 


<■)  Vmt>>f     Col.  TUrd'  '  lael  Mrrl>pni 

:l*nl«mui  k'ol.  U»mp  <rii   a^or  HoOtaiM    iCapUm  .^i 


.  I  McNeill 


1",  1 


m 


ir.>l.in.-l    Wlllr 


A  ii>    eoj  -  I  |\ri)ff  M|Mi  I  <->puioifot>»i* 


«■  Ul   ItaCol  H«mpliin     l('«pi.  (:«Uc'i..     I  '  |<'ipliir\rL.l>.-c 


V 


A  CAMPAIGN     JZ,    /,  ^_^ 


FROM 


SANTA    F  E 


■ro 


THE  MISSISSIPPI; 

BEING  A  HISTORY 

OF    THK 

OLD    SIBLEY   BRIGADE 

FROM  irs 

FIRST  ORGANIZATxON  TO  THE  PRESENT  TIME; 

ITS  CAMPAIGNS  IN  NEW  MEXICO,  ARIZONA,  TEXAS,  LOUISIANA  AND 
ARKANSAS,  IN  THE  YEARS  OF  1861-2-3-4. 


By  1 HEO.  NOEL,  4th  Texas  Cavalry. 


SHREVEPOKT,  La.: 

PlWEVErORT   NEWS  rRIKTINO   ESTABUfllMEyX— JOHN   DICKINSOK,   PROrRtETOR. 

18(35. 


TO    TUB 

MEMORY 

OF   THE 

LAMEJTTED  AND  IMMORTAL 
T03VE      ca-^LEEJisr 

AND    THOSE    OF    THE 

"OLD    BRIGADE" 

WHO  WITH  HIM  NOW  "SLEEP  THE    SLEEP   THAT 
KNOWS  NO  WAIQNG" 

IS    THIS 
I^IXXLE    VOLTJIVIK 

AS    A 

Tribute  of  Hespect 

MOST    AFFECTIONATELY 

DEDICATED     B  Y '  T  H  E 


-^I\-. 


uiHuiaea. 

Having  no  other  aim  in  view  than  that  of  truthfulnRss,  this  ^ 
•       presented  to  you   not  for  your   criticism,  but,  if  possible,  to  hay 

the  reading  worhl  and  our  friends  in  th.  "  Lone  Star  State  "  an  account 
,  oi  Avuat  we,  as  your  sons,  have  done  since  we  espoused  for  the  achiove- 
,^^    -»  'D..J r,    -^  ...       .  — — 


...  work  is 
hay  before 


/        ^ 


^'—   ^ 


~u^    u^^^.^^  Z-^- 


^     VC  /> 


«>  c-  «• 


CiA^^^y^-^ 


^- 


^A 


<a.rv 


•M^j^m^t^C- 


^^^■:^j&r:sp:'^^ 


-  «s^o^2*-«'-»-' 


SIBLEY'S   BRIGADE. 


I*AI^T    I. 

Organization — Campaign  in  Nerv  Mexico  and  Arizona —  The  Marches — ■ 
Battles  of  Valvcrde,  Glorietta,  Alberqucrque,  Perulto,  and  last, 
the  unprecedented  evacuation — Sibley — The  March  to  San  Anto- 
nio— Furloughed — At  Home — The  Author  "Sloshes  Around." 

Kind  Reader,  the  work  has  commenced  ;  I  have  undertaken  to 
compile  for  your  especial  benefit  a  history  of  our  Brigade  and  its 
doings.  The  world  has  been  furnished  with  '' The  Oarajiaign  from 
Texas  to  Maryland,"  by  the  Rev.  ]\Ir.  Davis,  of  the  Fourth  Texas  In- 
fantry, and  "The  Camp,  the  Bivouac,  and  the  Battle-field,"  by  Dr. 
(lammage,  of  the  Fourth  Arkansas  ;  "The  first,  second,  third,  and  per- 
haps the  fourth,  years  of  the  war,"  by  Pollard ;  and  why  not  now  M'ith 
that  of  the  Old  Sibley — Green — Hardeman  Brigade.  May  I  hope  that 
tliis — my  first  offering — may  in  part  be  favored  and  appreciated  by  the 
friends  of  that  Old  Brigade  throughout  the  "  Lone  Star  State."  The 
"  preface,"  if  I  but  have  the  time  to  write  one.  will  explain  to  you  the 
many  embarrassing  and  disadvantageous  circumstances  under  which 
this  volume  wjis   compiled,  prepared  and   brought   before   the   public. 

The  why  and  wherefores  of  our  being  called  from  our  peaceful  homes 
.•md  happy  firesides,  is  .already  known  sufficiently  well  enough  to  you, 
to  obviate  the  necessity  on  my  p.artof  repeating  it  here.  Some  time  in 
June,  186],  11.  II.  Sibley,  who  was  an  oflicer  in  the  United  States 
n^gul.ar  service,  serving  in  the  Territory  of  New  Mexico  (Ft.  Craig  I 
am  told)  resigned  his  commission  in  that  service  and  went  to  Montgom- 
ery, Alabama,  which  was  then  the  Capitol  of  the  Confederacy.  After 
rc])resenting  to  the  cliiefs  of  our  government  the  true  condition  of  afiairs 
in  New  Mexico  and  Arizona,  he  was  commissioned  as  Brigadier-Gen- 
i-ral  and  ordered  to  raise  a  Brigade  of  Cav.alry  in  the  State  of  Texas, 
with  but  asliltle  delay  as  possible,  and  proceed  to  that  Territory,  and 
as  commander  in  chief  of  tli.at  district,  to  lead  to  conquest,  victory  and 
glory  those  under  him.  He  arrived  in  Texas  in  the  month  of  M.ay  fol- 
lowing, and  est.iblished  his  head-quarters  in  San  Antonio.  Through 
the  medium  of  our  patriotic  pres"?,  the  public  was    quickly    acquainted 


42107ri 


G  A  HISTORY  OF  TUK 

wifh  lii«  (losing  and  inttiitions,  as  well  as  his  authority  and  his  wants. 
Tile  work  of  re-orgaiiizinff  and  making  up  companies  for  this  expedi- 
tion went  "  hravely  on,"  througliout  our  whole  .State.  Geu.  SiMeyliad 
appointed  his  field  officers,  amongst  the  first,  of  whom  was,  H.  C  ^Ic- 
Ncil,  whu  was  also  an  ufiic(;rin  theold  service.to  a  Lieutenent  Colon(dcv, 
who  preceded  him  a  few  weeks  tn  San  Antonio  as  a  mustering  otlicer. 
He  was  not  long  idle,  as  on  the  27th  day  of  Au^^fust,  William  P.  Harde- 
man with  his  company  from  Caldwell  and  Guadalupe  counties  came  for- 
ward to  be  mustered  into  the  service,  which  was  done  on  that  day  in 
their  camps  on  the  Leone,  and  according  to  their  own  "lection,  for 
"  during  the  war."  It  being  the  first  company  received  or  pi.>sented,  it 
took  its  rank  and  Irf terns  company  "  A"  1st  llegimcnt  Sibley's  Brig- 
ade. On  the  following  day  A.  J.  Scarborough  with  his  "  Davis  ItiHes" 
was  also  duly  sworn  into  the  "  defence  of  their  country,"  and  also  ,'i*^- 
tacht'd  to  the  1st  Regiment  as  company  "  B."  About  this  time  James 
Riely,  of  Nacogdoeue.«i  was  conmiissioned  as  Colonel.  William  K. 
Scurry  of  iJcA^'itt,  and  H.  Rnguet,  of  Nacogdochfs,  were  appointed  as 
J^ieutcnant  Colonel  and  Major.  By  the  20th  of  September  the  lull  com- 
pliment of  companies  had  been  mustered  into  tin;  service,  and  the  1st 
Regiment  was  organized,  without  however,  the  privilege  being  left  to 
the  men  to  elect  their  field  olKcers — a  right  guaranteed  to  them  by  the 
■wise  laws  of  our  new  Confederacy.  Gen.  Sibley  had  his  own  say  so  by 
some  unknown  reason,  and  the  organization  of  field  officers  stood  as 
above  :  2d  Lt.  Elsbery  R.  Lane,  of  company  "  B"  was  appointed  Adju- 
tant and  W.  B.  McMahon  of  the  same  company,  Sergcawt  Major;  H.  E. 
Leobnetze,  of  coaipany  "  C"  was  duly  installed  as  Assistant  Quarter- 
master, and  Wm.  Soutjiworfh,  J.  W.  .Matcliett  and  Taylor,  chiefs,  1st 
and  2d  Assistant  Surgeons,  all  of  which  elections  were,  no  doubt,  made 
by  the  Colonel  with  an  eye  singly  fixed  for  the  good  of  the  service,  not- 
withstanding Southworth,  who  had  gained  a  great  notoriety  amongst 
the  boys  as  being  wor///  nothing,  left  us  at  Fort  Bliss  on  ©ur  return 
from  New  Mexico,  and  that  without  a  sigh  or  regret,  on  the  part  of  any 
of  those  whose  lot  it  had  been  to  apply  to  him  for  medicines  or  treat- 
ment. Shortly  after  the  completed  organization  of  the  Regiment,  which 
was  eflected  at  the  camp  first  established  by  Capt.  Uanlemau  on  tho 
Leone,  tho  Regiment  was  moved  from  there  to  camp  ''  Sibley"  on  the 
Salado,  live  miles  i'rom  San  Antonio  on  the  Austin  road.  Here  we  will 
leave  the  1st  Regiment— drilling  if  you  please — while  we  take  ft  peep 
at  what  the  h«ro  of  heroes,  Tom  Green,  is  doing  tow;u*ds  the  organiza- 
tion ot  the  2d  Regiment  at  camp  "  Manassas"  on  the  Salado  two  miles 
above  the  1st  Regiment's  caujps.  Not  having  a  muster  roll  of  the  Reg- 
iment bcifore  me,  1  am  unable  to  say  when  the  first  com[)any  under  Capt. 
Shropshire,  of  Colorado,  was  mustered  into  the  service  ;  it  was  done, 
however,  in  a  very  short  time,  as  was  the  case  with  the  1st  Regiment. 
All  the  compauies  were  nmstered  in  by  Col.  JIcNeill,  who  it  will  be 
Heen  was  assigned  to  duty  with  this  Regiment  as  J^ieut.  Colonel.  S.  A. 
Jjockridge,  uf  Gonzales,  Major.     C!ol.  Green  made  a  judiciou.s  and  good 


OL©  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  7 

seleotion  of  staff  officers,  as  follows :  J.  D.  Sayrs,  Adj't.;  C  B.  Sliepard, 
Sg't.  Major,  botli  of  whom  will  lu^reaftev  be  spoken  of.  M.  B.  Wyatt, 
A.  Q.  M.;  J.  IT.  Beck,  A.  C.  S.;  F.  Bracbt,  .^'urgcon,  with  J.  M.  Bro- 
naugb  and  J.  R.  McPhail,  as  Ass't.  Surgeons.  Drilling  as  Infantry  in 
the  morning  and  as  Cavalry  in  the  evening  was  the  order  of  the  day. 

On  the  4th  of  October  Capt.  Jordan's  (now  Thurmond's)  company, 
was  mustered  in  as  company  "  A"  of  the  3d  Regiment  under  Col.  Wil- 
liam Steele,  who  was  also  a  captain  in  the  United  States  cavalry  ser- 
vice, and  was  ierving  with  Gen.  Sibley  in  New  Mexico  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  war.  A.  P.  Bagby,  of  Gonzales,  another  West  Point 
graduate,  was  made  Major,  not  hoAvever,  before  J.  S.  Sutton  an  old 
Texan  officer  and  a  man  universally  esteemed  by  all,  was  appointed  Lt. 
Colonel.  On  the  8th  of  October  Capt.  Hoffman's  company  from  New 
Braunsfels,  was  received  and  mustered  into  the  service.  On  the  24th, 
Burrow's  company  was  sworn  in,  as  was  also  Co.  "  D,"  xmder  Capt.  W. 
H.  Cleaver  ;  the  work  went  briskly  on,  and  on  the  26th,  company  "K." 
under  T.  O.  Moody,  was  mustered  in  according  to  the  latest  method,  and 
on  the  same  terms  as  was  Capt.  Hardeman's  company  "  A"  First  Regi- 
ment, all  for  "  during  the  war."  Now  that  the  Brigade  is  organized, 
reader,  were  I  sure  that  you  are  at  present,  or  ever  was  a  soldier,  much 
time,  ink  and  paper  might  here  be  saved,  by  my  referring  you  back  to 
the  days  in  which  you  were  first  in  a  soldier's  camp.  Ours  were  not 
particularly  different  from  that  of  any  others,  yet  Ave  had  many  novel- 
ties to  encounter,  as  well  as  many  novices  to  meet  them  with.  We  had 
drills,  drills  on  the  most  improved  methods.  Scott  and  Hardee  was 
consulted  on  all  occasions,  as  well  as  was  the  country's  good,  in  discip- 
lining the  "  Saplings"  who  by  reasons  of  their  zeal  were  easily  "  bend- 
ed." Each  Regiment  (and  it  I  mistake  not,  each  company)  were  fur- 
nished and  armed  with  a  bitgle,  and  from  the  fact  that  we  had  many 
blou-ers,  a  bugler  was  easily  found,  who  according  to  the  orders  and 
mandates  issued  from  Headquarters,  was  blowed  on  all  occasions  when 
something  new  or  "  fre^h"  was  on  hand,  besides  having  full  rations  and 
a  plenty  to  eat,  we  nevertheless  had  some  grumbling  on  the  quality  of 
the  beef  as  well  as  the  quantity  of  Coffee,  all  of  which  we  got  most  glo- 
riously over  in  the  course  of  time,  as  I  shall  endeavor  to  show  in  pages 
yet  to  be  written.  That  idea  which  was  at  that  date  popular  amongst 
those  of  us  who  never  had  sought  to  pay  homage  to  Mars,  that  guards 
were  only  kept  up  to  protect  an  army  or  camp  from  the  enemy,  and 
never  only  in  an  enemy's  country,  soon  gave  way  to  "  stubborn  facts" 
and  "  genuine  realities,"  for  let  it  be  known  that  "we  had  a  guard  to 
stand  at  night"  as  well  as  in  the  day,  not  however,  "  to  keep  the  In- 
dians off,"  but  to  break  the  "  greenhorns"  in  and  to  teach  them  "  how- 
it  goes  in  war."  The  strictest  guard  that  we  ever  had  around  our 
campwas  while  we  were  camped  on  the  Salado,  a  thousand  miles  or 
more  from  a  foe.  We  had  a  camp  guard,  a  picket  guard,  and  every- 
thing was  so  guarded;that  one  had  to  be  on  guard  when  he  spoke,  lest 
he  might  offend  the  "  rank"  which  as  we  have  long  since  learned,  means 
only  those  who  wear  the  "stars  and  bars." 


b  A  uisToiiY  uF  'ri^^fc: 

Wo  had  "  mil  calls"  by  mornintj  and  by  night,  as  also  "  tattoo"  aud 
reveille"  according  to  the  forin.s  prescribed  on  page  2299  of  the  revised- 
edition  of  the  military  statutes,  all  «tf  which,  when  thoroughly  understood 
by  us,  had,  if  anything,  a  tendency  to  make  camps  attractive  to  the 
boys,  who  Hcvor  so  much  as  the  ught  of  a  "  furlough,"  and  scarcely  ever 
of  home,  and  then  only  of  itw  being  a  place  for  the  women  aud  children 
and  other  nan  cainhatants,  such  as  those  who  may  now  be  seen  iu  the 
various  departments  where  danger  is  afar  off. 

Now  for  a  few  words  on  the  subject  o{  arms  and  we  are  off  for  the 
land  of  promise,  where  the  foeman's  steel  is  to  be  met.  The  public  must 
know  what  the  Yankees,  were  made  to  know  at  Val  V^erd,  i.e.  that  we 
were  armed,  nature  furnished  us  with  two  "  to  come  in  on,"  and  we 
each  furni.shed  ourselves  with  one,  some  two,  by  reason  of  having  a 
double-barrel  shot  gun.  When  we  left  San  Antonio  we  were  armed 
with  squirrel-guns,  bear  guns,  sportman'?-guns,  shot-guns,|  both  single 
and  double  ban*els,  in  tact,  guns  of  all  sorts,  even  down  to  guns  in  the 
shape  of  cannons  called  "^louiitain  Howitzers,"  four  of  which  wore  at- 
tached to  the  First  Regiment  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  J.  lliely, 
manued  by  a  detachment  of  men  from  the  different  companies  in  the  Reg- 
iment. A  battery  of  four  similar  pieces  was  attached  to  the  Second 
Kegiment  under  command  of  Lieut.  W^ood  aud  Fulcrod,  manned  in  the 
same  manner  that  llieljs'  Battery  of  the  First  Regiment  was.  Lhider 
the  rule  taught  me  in  my  early  infantry  "  one  thing  at  a  time,"  while 
on  the  Artillery  subject  1  will  finish  it.  At  Val  Verd  these  two  bat- 
teries were  consolidated  and  did  noble  duty.  Those  who  had  volun- 
teered to  man  them  proved  themselves  to  be  men  possessed  of  as  much 
bravery,  gallantry  and  courage,  as  zeal.  It  was  for  gallantry  displayed 
at  this  place  that  Serg't  J.  E.  Hart  was  made  Adjutant  of  the  Fourth 
Texas  Cavalry  (First  Regiment),  while  Privates  Clark,  Moody  and 
Donahoe  still  hold  their  old  positions  in  the  army.  On  leaving  the 
Territory  these  guns  were  consigned  to  the  mother  earth  for  safe  keep- 
ing as  well  as  to  be  kept  from  fulling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  John 
Riely  of  whom  I  shall  speak  hereafter,  was  afterwards  promoted  to  a 
Captaincy  and  assigned  to  duty  as  A.  C.  S.  of  the  First  Regiment. 

Now  that  the  Artillery  is  silenced,  1  will  return  to  Sau  Antonio 
where  the  Brigade  was  lately  left  drilling,  dress-parading,  &:c.,  as  though 
the  whole  welfare  of  the  country  depended  upon  that  job  being  per- 
fected. 

On  the  ever  memorable  7th  day  November,  1861,  in  obedience  to 
orders,  the  advance  division  of  the  Brigade  took  up  th(!  line  of  march 
for  New  Mexico.  That  morning  will  ever  bo  remembered  by  every 
member  of  the  First  Regiment.  At  the  usual  hour  in  the  morning, 
"  boots  and  saddles  "  was  sounded  by  our  bugler.  Our  baggage  had 
been  weighed  the  day  before  (fifteen  pounds  to  the  man)  and  our 
wagons  loaded  ;  fifteen  minutes  more  and  the  ''  assembly  "  sounded 
forth  clear  and  shinll  upon  the  morning  air,  while  our  camps  presented 
a  scene  of  bustle  and  confusion.  In  less  time  than  it  takis  (o  tell  it, 
the  Regiment — then  full — were  in  their  saddles,  aud  by  such  manoeitv- 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  9 

ring  aud  evolutions  as  is  only  know^ii  to  those  whose  fortunes  are  the 
"  fortunes  of  Avar,"  the  First  Regiment  was  formed,  by  the  command  of 
Col.  Reily,   into  a  solid   square."     At  the   command  "Attention,  Bat- 
talion," from  the  man  who  had  the  authority  to  call  it,  silence  reigned 
supreme.     Would  that  I  wer(3  able  to  give    you,  kind  reader,  even 
the  substance  of  the  remarks  made  by  him.     They  were  made  to  the 
point,  and  affecting,  insomuch   that  I  well  rememb(T  seeing  men  that 
morning  shed   tears,   who   often   since  have    braved   danger  on  many 
bloody  fields  of  carnage.     He  told  us  that  we  were  on  the  eve  of  leaving 
a  land  that  many  of  us  might  never  again  see, — which  was  so — that  on 
that  daj'  we  bid  adieu  to  all  friends,  home,  and  happy  firesides,  to  try 
our  fortunes  in  the  field  in  the  defence  of  our  country's  honor  ;  that  wo 
were  soldiers  together,  aud   that    a  people,  who   in   after  years  would 
prove  grateful  to  us  for   our  acts,  e.xpected  much  from  us.     Much  was 
to  be  done  ;  much  would  be  douo,  and  that  he  felt  confident  of  the  re- 
sult.    Much  that  was  said  has  long  since  been  forgotten.     After  closing 
his  remarks,  he   drew  off  his   hat  and  requested  all   to   do   likewise, 
when,  in  a  solemn,  pious  and  fervent  tone,  he  offered  up  to  the  High 
God,  in  the  behalf  of  the  cause,  of  those  under  him,  of  those  around 
him,  and  for  himself,  one  of  the  most  fervent  and  eloquent  prayers  that 
it  has  ever  been  my  lot  to  hear.     Every  one  was  moved  to  tears  and 
solemn  thoughts.     In  a  few  moments  the  command  came,  "  by  fours 
from  the  right,  march."     Reader,  we  were  on  the  way  to  that  cold  and 
barren  land.     Grand,  indeed,  was  the  sight  presented  to  the  view  of  the 
looker-on,  as  we  were  stretched  out  on  the  line  of  march  on  that  cold, 
frosty  morning  of  November.     For  the  first  few  miles  everything  was 
silent.     Those  who  were  of  a  serious  aud  sober  thought  were  allowing 
their  thoughts  to  carry  them  back  home,  and  to  dwell  with  loved  ones 
there ;  whilst  those  of  us  who  had  but   the  world   before  them,  were 
being  delighted  by  the  grand  martial  display  our  lines  made  as  we  rose 
and  descended  the  hills  on  tlie  road  leading  to  San  Antonio.     In  those 
days  the  First  Regiment  had  no  brass  band   to   enliven  the  soldier's 
thoughts  and  soul,  and  as  we  drew  near  the  city,  the  hearts  of  the  caval- 
iers grew  musical,  and   with  one   general  acclamation  a  call  was  made 
upon  White,  Halle  &,  Brother  for  "  vocal  strains  of  harmonious  tunes." 
The  called  for  music  came,  and  such  music  as  it  was  will  m-Vr  be  heard 
ngain,  .-is  was  heard  by  the  rocks  and  hills  in  the  environs  of  S;ui  Anto- 
nio that  morning.     "The  Texas  Raager"  never  sounded  half  so  beau- 
tiful or  appropriate  as  it   did   at  that  time.     In  the  due  course  of  time 
we  were  again  formed  in  solid  column  in   the  main  plaza  of  San  Anto- 
nio.    [The  author  has  a  picture  of   this  parade  which,  were  it  possible 
to  procure  the  services  of  an  engraver,  he  would  present  to  the  reader.] 
A  flag  was  presented  to  the  Regiment  by  somebody — name  long  niuco 
forgotten--Ln  the  name   aud   in   behalf  of  the  ladies  of  Nacogdoches. 
Ri<dy  again  spoke  at  some  length,  in  an   eloquent  manner  and   style, 
which  was  duly  appreciated  by  the  boys,  judging  from  the  manner  in 
which   Companies  — ,  — ,  —  choered  the   eloquent  effusions,  which 


10  A  TIISTOKY  OF  TltE 

noise  barrcjl  the  poMibility  of  tlip  "  rear  rank  " — to  v,  liicb  I  belong — 
boarinp:  any  further  than,  ••  Fellovr  .Soldiers!"  Kverylhing  wont  oliin 
fine  ttyle.  Gen.  Sihloy  here  came  forward,  and  in  a  lew  "ungnardccl 
rcmarkp,"  coHvinced  all  that  he  was  no  orator  ;  yet  in  his  speecli,  wliich 
was  short,  be  displayed  a  g:i-eat  deal  of  originality,  and  much  determina- 
tion. It  was  suggested  by  one  of  oUr  boys,  that  if  bis  f  leed  could  only 
lie  induced  to  "qi/if  d<if  prancing,"'  that  the  (General  would  have  liad  a 
letter  op;  lor^ijnity  to  display  his  oratorial  powers,  lieeides  telling  us 
that  we  were  "  green,  green  s.i])li!igs  ;  bending  to^discij'lino  !  ]\lake 
th(^  best  soldiers  in  the  world  !  and  that  he  was  proud  of  us.  etc.,"  he 
told  US  that  we  would  precede  him  but  a  few  days,  and  that  he  did  not 
"fear  the  result"  of  the  campaign  with  such  m<Mi  to  foil  )W  him  as  -were 
those  whom  he  had  the  honor  to  address — the  hon  tr  to  command. 
Bowing  us  an  adieu,  three  rousing  cheers  were  given  for  Gen.  JSiblcy, 
and  we  were  again  "on  the  go."  On  the  night  of  the  7th  we  camp<d 
on  trie  Leone,  whet"e  we  laved  over  one  day,  during  which  time  all  neces- 
sary .'irrangpitientfi  were  made  for  the  long  march  ahead  of  us.  Water 
was  too  scarce  at  places  for  the  whole  Regiment  to  travel  together,  and 
accordingly  the  tkivg  had  to  be  divided,  which  was  done,  ])er  order  No. 
blank,  as  follows  :  'riie  Fi'.st  Squidrou — "A"  and  "F" — under  Oapts. 
Hardeman  and  Cro.-son  ;  Second  and  Third  Squadrons — Companies 
"B,"  "G,"  and  "D"  and  "II" — under  Lieut.  Col.  Scurry;  and  the 
Fojj^h  and  Fifth  Comjianies— "O,"  "  I,"  and ''E  "  and  "K" — under 
the  itnmediate  command  of  the  Colonel,  assisted  by  the  Major,  Henry 
Raguot.  On  the  9th  the  advance  di\'ision,  (liardmnan's,)  together 
wirh  John  Riely's  IJatteiv,  to»k  up  the  line  of  march,  not,  however, 
until  a  special  regimenfal  court  martial  hnd  been  convened  for  the 
especial  benefit  of  the   lirigade's   clown — mine  especial  friend,  Itubert 

Pinknev,  " ." — who  was  charged  with  the  grave  oOence  of  speaking 

disrespectfully  to  supfriors,  and  threatening  to  knock  a out  of  our 

A.  f^.  M.,  Avith  whom  h(^  had  had  a  "few  lounds"  in  relation  to  some 
forage.  Pink.,  however,  came  out  "all  silting  "  in  twenty  days  there- 
after. On  the  10th  Scvrry  started,  and  on  t!ie  following  day  Ritly 
brought  up  the  rear  ;  and  in  this  way  we  traveled  until  the  advanco 
reached  San  I'hilipe  Springs,  where  Major  Raguet  arrived  "in  front," 
and  took  command  of  Hardeman's  division.  In  those  days  divisions 
Avere  small  contraptions — then  we  called  everything  as  large  as  two 
Companies  a  diTision  ;  now-a-days  it  takes  at  least  two  brigades  to 
make  one  :  how  we  improve  !  Now  that  the  First  Regiment  is  en 
yw/Z^"  for  the  scene  of  a(tl ion,  we  will  return  to  "  Camp  ]\Ianassa8,"  on 
the  Salado,  and  look  up  the  Second  Regiment,  and  see  what  Green  has 
been  doing  towards  making  jireparatioi'S  for  an  onward  move  ,*  and 
calling  upon  Mr.  Howell — who  I  will  hero  introduce  to  the  readi'r  as  a 
young  man  wlio,  for  his  infr<]iid  valor  a'ul  great  moral  worth,  has  justly 
won  the  esteem  of  not  only  his  regiment  but  the  entire  brigade — wo 
will  learn  of  him  all  about  it.  The  Second  Regim(>nt  took  up  the  line 
of  march  on  the  8th.     Nothing    particularly  strange  or  eventful  trans 


OLD  SIBLEY  SKlGxVDE,  il 

piled,  unless  it  was  in  the  grand  display  made  hy  tlio  two  companies 
who  woru  armed  with  lances,  each  lauco  or  spoar  having  a  red  Ihig,  S 
by  17  inches.  The  sight  was  truly  grand  as  they  marched  thruugli  tho 
streets  of  San  Antonio,  bound  tor  (he  "Held."  Tho  Uegimeut  marched 
together  until  they  arrived  at  fcjau  Philipe  Springs,  where  it  was  divided 
iu  three  divisions. 

Tho  lifst  consisting  of  Companies ,  undo;-   SLijor    Lockridge  ; 

tho  second  of  Companies  C.  E. — ,  under  Capt.  McCowen,  and  tho  rear 
by  Col.  Green.  la  this  way  they  marched  until  the)'-  reached  Fort 
JJliss  where  they  all  met  and  reiuained  for  a  few  days.  At  *'  Dead 
Mans  Holes"  a  young  man  by  tho  name  of  J.  Tobin,  belonging  to  Com- 
pany "  (t"  was  killed — murdered  I  might  more  properly  say — by  a  man 
named  Harvey,  who  by  nature  was  one  of  the  —  peculiar  kind.  At 
Fott  Bliss  Col.  Green  called  a  court  martial  whieh  sentenced  "  J.  Har- 
vey to  be  shot  to  death  with  musketry."  Ho  was  the  lirst  and  only 
man  belonging  to  our  Brigade  that  has  been  shot.  How  true  I  know 
not,  yet  it  is  said  of  him  that  ou  being  placed  before  the  guard  that  ho 
pinned  a  small  peace  of  white  paper  ou  his  bosom,  directly  over  his  heart, 
and  bid  every  man  to  aim  at  that,  saying  that  he  neither  feared  death 
cared  to  live.  After  remaining  here  a  faw  days  the  llegiment  moved 
its  camps  to  Willow  liar.  Here  ;igaiu  they  halted  for  a  few  days,  when 
they  took  up  the  line  of  march  and  joined  tho  First  Regiment  at  Fort 
Thorn  as  we  shall  see  present  y. 

To  the  obliging  and  energetic  Lieut.  L)owden  of  Company  "  A,"  of 
the  Third  Kegimeut,  I  am  indebted  for  the  following  as  concerns  the  sfarf 
made  by  Col.  Steele's  Regiment.  The  advance  Companies  ''  A."  "  13." 
"  F."  "  II,,,  and  "  I."  left  camp  Pickett,  situated  a  few  miles  above 
camp  Manassas  on  the  Salado.  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Sutton. 
Nothing  particularly  remarkable,  strange  or  interesting  is  connected 
with  their  departure,  as  I  am  aware  of-  The  above  iiro  Companies 
left  Saa  Antonio  ou  iho  30th  of  Xovember.  Companies  "  C."  "D." 
"  E."  and  "  G."  left  Sau  Antonio  on  the  15th  of  December  under  tho 
command  of  Col.  Steele  and  Maj.  Bagby.  Company  "II."  (Captaiu 
Moody's)  was  left  there  to  escort  the  Brigade  Bay-master.  Capt.  W.  11. 
Harrison.  On  the  6th  of  January,  1S62,  Company  "  E"  was  left  at 
Fort  (lark  on  account  of  sickness.  Strange  as  it  may  appear,  tho 
^leaslos  broke  out  in  this  company  after  it  had  commenced  the  march, 
and  notwithstanding  it  was  marched  with  the  other  companies  for  eev- 
eral  days  aiter  tho  contagion  had  made  its  appearance,  yet  it  did  not 
spread.  By  refeiencoto  tho  table  of  those  died  cF  disease,  it  willbesee\i 
that  from  the  20th  day  of  December,  18G1,  to  tho  12th  of  January,  1S(J2, 
this  company  lost  15  ni^n,  all  of  whom  died  of  that  loathsome  and  pain- 
ful dieioso  ;  many  whoso  highest  ambition  would  hare  been  to  have  talleu 
on  thefield  of  honor,  iu  the  defence  of  their  country,  were  thus  called  from 
"hence  to  that  bonnio  from  whence  no  traveler  ere  returns."  "Oh! 
death  what  a  monster  thou  art."  Tho  beloved  of  tho  loved  ;  tli.)  cher- 
iihwd  of  th«  hravf ;  tin*  hero  who  has  brav«d  danger  on  many  fields,  as 


12  A  HISTORY  OF  THE 

well  ap  fhope  whose  bouIf  wore  to  God  donated,  all,  all  by  yon  nre  cplled 
and  ynur  summons  is  always  obeyed. 

The  first  five  compnnifH  of  this  Regiment,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Sutton, 
made  an  ahnost  unprecedented  inarch  from  San  Antonio  to  Fort  Thorn, 
in  New  Mexico,  at  which  place  they  arrived  in  time  to  have  a  few- 
days  rest,  and  then  join  the  Brigade;  connected  with  which  was  Bay- 
lor's Regiment,  (now  I'yronV.)  and  Hunter's  and  Phillips'  Battalions, 
of  Arizona  and  New  Mexico  troops,  and  will  hereafter  be  known  as  the 
•'Army  of  New  Mexico."  Numerically,  our  army  was  not  as  large  as 
Lee's  or  Bragg's  were  at  that  time,  yet  we  claim  to  have  performed 
great  and  daring  deeds,  of  which  we  will  speak  of  "y>«  Ac  tempo." 
This,  I  assure  you,  kind  reader,  is  my  very  "been  wsny'est"  Spanish, 
or  rather  Cagen  Mexican.  At  Fort  Bliss  the  First  Regiment  all  got 
together,  and  then  in  bod}-  moved  into  the  Territory  of  Arizona.  We 
crossed  the  line  on  the  12th  of  December,  and  established  a  camp  iu 
sight  of  the  large  white  land  mark  on  the  mountain  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  Rio  Grande,  which  had  been  put  there  by  the  United  States 
engineers,  some  time  in  ISrS,  to  denote  the  place  where  Mexico — Chi- 
huahua— goes  no  further  north,  and  where  the  possessions  of  the 
United  States  ceased  going  south.  The  following  day  we  moved  to 
Camj)  Lesure,  where  we  remained  a  few  days,  and  moved  up  the  riTer 
to  within  a  few  miles  of  Massilla,  where,  on  Christmas  morning.  Col. 
R(uly  turned  over  the  command  of  the  Regiment  to  Capt.  Scarborough, 
he  being  the  next  in  rank.  In  doing  so,  he  made  another  speech,  bid- 
ding us  adieu,  and  informing  us  that  his  country  required  his  sers-ices 
elsewhere  ;  that  although  it  was  with  reluctaney  that  Ik-  bid  us  fare- 
well, yet  he  did  so  under  the  full  conviction  lliat  he  woidd  again  meet 
us.  By  this  time  the  Second  Regiment  and  the  advance  squadron  of 
the  Third  had  arrived  at  Fort  Bliss,  where  Gen.  Sibley  had  established 
his  headquarters.  Forage  there  was  none  ;  commissary  supplies  were 
gelling  scarce;  the  cold  season  was  coming  on;  clothing  was  being 
needed  ;  all  of  which  the  country  afforded  non<*.  Our  Quartermaster 
brought  no  supplies  with  him,  and  none  was  to  be  had  in  thi)  Territory'. 
Roily  had  the  precaution  to  appoint  a  sutler,  whose  train  was  pressed 
into  the  service  on  its  arrival  at  Fort  Bliss  by  order  of  Gen.  Sibley. 
At  Fort  Davis  the  Second  Regiment  supplied  themselves  with  the 
better  portion  of  his  clothing.  In  this  state  of  ixffn'ui  it  became  immi- 
nent that  a  forward  move  should  be  made,  since  the  expedition  was 
filled  up  with  a  view  of  capturing  everything  that  was  needed  from 
the  garrisons  at  Fort  Crai^^  Albuquerque  and  Santa  Fe  ;  inconse- 
quence of  which  it  was  not  thought  neces.'^ary  to  start  wiih  more  pro- 
visions from  San  Antonio  ihan  would  actually  subsist  the  command 
while  on  the  route.  A  grand  idea  this  !  On  the  14th  day  of  January 
(Jol.  Scurry  received  orders  from  Gen.  Sibley  to  take  two  companies  of 
his  Regiment  and  with  Maj.  I'yron's  command  to  move  on  and  take 
the  Federal  garrison  then  stationed  at  Alamosa,  which  was  thirty-two 
miles  below  F<>rt  Craig,  on  the  Rio  Grande  river.     Oa  the  day  follow- 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE. 

insr,  Corapai^ies  F  and  H  were  selected  and  placed  uuder  the  command 
of  Capt.  Hardeman.  The  command  left  Rnblario  on  the  following 
das ,  and  after  marching  sixty  miles  without  t-earcely  halting  they 
found  themselves  before  the  walls  of  Alamosa,  which  was  duly  sur^ 
rounded  by  our  forces,  and  all  precautionary  measures  and  orders 
were  taken  and  given  to  secure  the  prize — then  sleeping,  as  the  boys 
thought.  But  judge  of  their  disappointment  on  "closing  in"  to  find 
that  wind  of  the  move  had  been  received,  and  the  "birds  had  flown"  to 
Fort  Craig,  and  nothing  but  a  few  "greasers"  were  left.  Our  boys 
bivouaoedon  the  field,  greatly  disappointed,  which  was  increased  when 
day  came  and  they  were  permitted  to  see  the  flour,  sugar,  rice,  coffee 
and  beans  scattered  broadcast  over  the  streets  of  the  dirty  looking 
place.  Whilst  this  was  going  on,  another  expedition,  under  Major  Ra- 
guet  was  giving  chase  to  a  party  of  the  Apache  Indians,  who  had  made 
a  descent  upon  our  camp  while  at  Willow  Bar  and  stolen  75  or  80 
mules  and  about  the  same  number  of  horses.  Company  A,  of  the  First 
Regiment,  Avas  picked  upon  for  this  jaunt.  The  chase  commenced 
about  8  o'clock  in  the  morning.  By  ten  that  night  the  party  was  in 
the  Oreganes  Mountains,  about  fifty  miles  distant.  By  daylight  in  the 
morning  the  party  was  up  and  on  the  go  again.  At  11  o'clock  they 
reached  the  world  renowned  San  Augisteu  Springs,  made  doubly  noted 
from  the  fact  of  its  being  tlie  ancient  Mexican  silver  mining  district. 
After  Avatering  and  gvvin;^,"  tlie  horses  a  few  moment's  vest,  pursuit  was 
again  renewed.  At  sundown,  from  the  summit  of  the  high  mountain 
which  we  were  on,  over  which  tlie  Indians  Avere  trailed,  wo  could  see 
with  the  naked  eye  for  many  miles  in  the  disitince.  A  grander  and  a 
more  lovelj  sight  or  picturesque  landscape  vieAV  never  met  the  eyes  of 
the  amazing  and  amused  croAvd  of  half  starA'ed  humans  that  then  view- 
ed the  valley  wMch  extended  on  the  one  side  far  off  to  tlie  south  and 
60Uth-<  ast,  whilst  on  the  other  side  the  view  of  the  Rio  Grande  valley 
to  the  nurtli-west,  and  that  of  the  Bonita  and  Pecos  to  the  north  and 
uorth-(#ast,  looked  like  the  trackless  ocean,  whilst  the  mountains  on  the 
west  side  of  the  Rio  Grande,  Avhen  viewed  through  the  Major's  spy- 
glass, looked  like  the  foaming  billows  of  a  raging  sea  as  viewed  from  a 
ship  as  the  etorm  approaches.  Here  the  chase  Avas  given  up,  and  we 
commenced  to  beat  a  retreat.  In  the  far  distant  west  we  could  see  the 
cities  of  Massilla  and  Donna  Anna  ;  short  of  thoHi  there  was  nothing  on 
which  a  human  could  appease  the  gnawing  hunger  that  was  then  prey- 
ing upon  our  very  vitals.  Without  water  and  Avithout  rest  the  distance 
liad  to  be  made.  At  suudoAvu  the  retreat  commenced.  Cold,  dry  and 
hungry  Ave  went  forward,  forward,  Avithout  turning  around  to  give  one 
lingering  look  behind.  About  midnight  the  river  Avas  leached  by  the 
advance  portion  of  the  party.  By  daylight  the  last  man  came  stagger- 
ing in,  more  dead  than  alive,  more  crazed  than  rational,  for  the  want 
of  both  food  and  water.  Several  horses  Avere  left  on  the  road,  unable 
to  come  any  further.  They  Avcre  left  by  their  riders,  in  order  that  their 
own  lives  might  be  saved.   On  ro.ichingthe  river  Maj.  Kaguet,  beingap- 


14  •  A  IIISToiii'  OF  TnE 

prized  of  iliGf.icl  that  the'small  pox  was  prevailing  at  Fort  FiUniore,  dia? 
patched  Li(-ut.  Roberts  to  that  phice  for  commissaries.  Thr«>o  days 
full  r.'itions  of  Hour,  bncon,  beef  and  onions  were  drawn  and  tai<en  out 
to  the  rJrcr,  a  short  distance  olT,  where  in  a  few  moments  the  work  of 
cooking  went  bravely  on,  aud  no  recall  was  sounded  until  the  last  vesr 
tige  was  consumed.  It  was  on  this  expeditinn  that  our  boys  tirst 
learned  how  to  mix  up  their  "hreadstutVs"  without  the  uso  of  a  pan, 
and  how  to  cook  it  afterwards  on  their  iron  gun  sticks,  of  which  thero 
were  very  few  at  that  datt^  in  our  command. 

Had  it  not  been  for  some  noted  aud  villainous  thief  who  dispossess- 
ed ine  of'niy  journal  contuining  a  n.emoranda  of  dates  aud  occurrences 
wh  K'  in  New  Mexico,  together  with  many  other  useful  and  valuable 
items  that  1  had  collected  expree.^ly  for  this  work,  I  would  have  boou 
better  able  to  have  given  a  more  correct  data  and  more  items  connected 
with  iho'history  of  the  Brigade  whilst  iu  New  Mexico  and  Arizona. 
For  that  reason  ray  description  aud  account  of  things,  from  the  date  of 
organization  up  to  the  battle  of  Val  Verde,  has  necessarily  been  very 
brief.  Under  tht;  hopes  of  being  able  to  lay  before  the  public  the  oiii- 
cial  repoits — trhich  were  very  ably  written — I  have  delayed  my  work 
for  ii  considerable  time,  aud  was  induced  to  address  many  difTfrent  in- 
dividuals on  the  subject,  all  however  without  any  success  ;  and  linally, 
at  theiu^taiK-e  of  a  friend,  1  was  persuaded  to  address  (ien.  Sibley  on  the 
eulject,  hoping  thereby  to  elicit  something  which  would  have  enabled  me 
tohavu  refuted  what  h.is  always  apjteared  to  be  wrong  accusations  made 
against  him  by  ihe  public  in  general.  lie;illy,  1  am  sorry  of  my  ina- 
bility to  do  so.  I  have  frcfjaently  expressed  myself  to  others,  as  its 
being  my  belief  that  (Jen.  .Siljley  bad  beeu  wronged,  and  that  I  looked 
upon  him  as  being  an  able  and  skillfnl,  as  well  as  a  zealous  and  effi- 
cient oliicer,  and  in  justice  to  him  1  must  say  that,  with  rare  excep- 
tions, every  one  sei-nied  to  acquiesce  with  me  iu  that  respect.  By  na- 
ture he  is  a  very  sanguine  man,  too  much  disposed  to  confide  in  and  ask 
advice  of  those  under  him,  and  it  is  but  seldom  that  a  man  of  that  dispo- 
sition is  found  who  is  possessed  of  a  sutlicient  amount  of  precaution. 
Gen.  Sibley  had  all  confidence  in  his  ability  to  move  with  his  Brigade 
upon  the  Territory,  and  without  resistance  take  possession  of  all  its 
garrisons,  forts  and  de])ots  of  supplies,  and  thus  subsist  his  army  on 
th(i  enemy's  country.  Of  this  I  am  conlident  he  was  sanguine,  and  had 
things'not  have  changed  (|uickly  after  ho  left  there — changed  in  the 
way  of  reinforcements  l)eing  sent  there,  garrisons  being  fortified,  furt.s 
being  strengthened,  aud  tlu«  general  aspect  of  affairs  changed  while  ho 
wa.s  organizing  his  Brigade  in  antl  marching  from  Texas — the  result  of 
the'cauipaign  might  have  been  vastly  diiVerent.  1  conceive  that  when 
tile  unbiased  and  truthful  historian  comes  to  this  part  of  Gen.  Sibley's 
history,  that  he  will  incline  to  the  belief  that  had  no  demonstration 
been  made  against  the  Territory  previous  to  his  arrival  there,  that  his 
(Siblev's)  expedition  to  New  Mexico  would  have  been  one  of  great  suc- 
cess.    Many  there  are  who  at  this  day  are  not  willing  to  b«  convinced 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  15 

io  anylliiiig  else  than  that  tho  wliolo  pxpeditioii  was  one  coiiceivpdj 
concocted  and  born  in  anytliing  else  but  v/ickod  IViolisIiness;  and  tha^ 
tho  original  leaders  in  the  enterprise  and  expedition  are  deserving  of 
the  higlu'St  possible  censure  and  condemnation.  It  is  not  that  I  am  so 
r^oalous  a  friend  of  (i en.  Sibley  that  I  would  seek  to  che  k  the  public 
clamor  raised  against  him,  in  many  instances  by  designing  individuals, 
and  kept  up  by  a  spirit  of  M'rong  that  animates  many  in  abusing 
him  ;  l)ut  that  I  desire  to  see  justice  done  to  all,  and  rather 
would  I  espouse  to  defend  tho  fame  of  the  loAvest  in  the  ranks 
than  to  .appropriate  pages  of  my  work  to  the  extolling  of  those  whose 
character  stands,  as  did  (laisar's  wife's  virtue,  "above  suspicion."  Let 
it  not  be  said  of  me  and  my  work  that  its  chief  object  and  aim  was  to 
"awaken  the  sonorous  echoes  of  fame,"  for  be  it  far  from  me.  Happy, 
indeed,  M'ill  I  be  to  know  that  1  have  been  instrumental  in  causing  a 
biased  and  [)r«-jndiced  community  to  jiause  but  for  a  moment  and  think 
(if  v.hat  wrong  tV.ey  have  been  instrumental  in  inflicting  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  these  remarks.  MauA^  join  in  the  public  clamor  in  dvnouncing 
a  man  of  whose  merits  and  demerits  they  know  nothing.  An  elbow 
friend  sugge.^ts  that  it  is  natural.  This  I  am  free  to  admit;  yet  Avhy 
shut  out  ourselves  from  all  reason,  and  denounce  everything  calculated 
to  ameliorate  the  condition  of  the  human  family. 

On  the  3d  day  of  February*,  18G2,  the  First  llegimeut  arrived  at 
Fort  Thorn  and  established  a  camp  on  the  east  side  of  the  Rio  Grande, 
opposite  the  Fort,  and  on  the  5th,  the  Second  Regiment  arrived,  and 
v»'ere  encamped  three  miles  below.  Th^  Fort  was  occupied  ae  General 
Sibley's  Headquarters.  The  five  companies  of  the  Third  Regiment  ar- 
rived with  Messrs.  Grosebccks  and  Cochrans  sutller  train.  On  tho  12th, 
General  Sibley  was  S)  kind  as  to  divide  rooin  with  them,  and  accord- 
ingly they  were  enabled  to  disjd.-iv  their  stock  of  goo  is,  wares  and  chat- 
tels for  salr-.  Their  stock  in  trade  consisted  chieHy  in  liquors  of  all 
brands,  preserved  Iruitsof  all  sorts,  candy,  raisins,  tobacco!  ))ipes  and 
pipe  ^teujs,  and  on  an  average  of  one  pair  of  pants  to  every  ten  men  in 
the  First  Regiment,  for  which  Regiment  tln^y  were  alo;ie  ajjpointcd. — 
That  night  the  First  Regiment  njvelled  in  "spirits,"  more  ardent  than 
harmoiiious,  and  more  disagreeable  to  a  sick  man  than  interesting  or 
amusing,  of  this,  I  can  speak  knowingly,  as  it  was  on  this  day  that  I 
was  taken  sick  with  the  small  pox,  in  consequence  of  which  I  was  not 
a  participant  in  the  battles  above,  and  shall  rely  upon  the  account  given 
by  others  in  making  up  my  descriptions. 

On  the  14th  of  February,  186y,  onr  camps  above,  lielow  and  around 
Fort  Thorn  present(Kl  a  seme  of  activity,  rarely  witnessed  by  others 
than  soldiers.  Orders  to  march  had  been  received.  From  this  the 
campaigns  of  New  Mexico  commences.  Pyron's  command  moved  ojf 
fust.  Next  the  First  Rfgimcnt  closely  followod  by  the  Second  and 
Col.  Sutton's  I^attalion  of  the  'J'hird.  Teel's  Batt(  V^*  of  field  artillery, 
Riely's  and  Fnh-rod's  Battery  of  Mountain  Hewitzers,  followed.  Hean- 
•  quarters  :.nd  t t.-ifFpa.ssed  the  command  on  the  march,  and  bv  noon  took 


16  A  HISTORY  OF  THE 

lip  its  position  at  the  head  of  the  column,  which  was  halted  at  Sundown » 
and  camped  a  fr'w  mih's  abovi-  Alemosia.     This  was  tl)i»  first  fimo  that 
our  13iip'i.lc  had  ever  campod    together,  presenting    to  fin-  view  of  the 
admiring  bt'lioltU'i- such  a  sight  as  n<;ver  had  before  met  il  ;  he  had  r^ad 
in  bis  youthful  flays  af  armies  on  the  march,  of  armies    in  the    "  tented 
field,"  and  even  of  a  view  of  Napoleon's  army  by  night  ;"  to-day  tor  the 
first  time  he  had  seen  and  realized  it  all.     Grand    bt  yond    description 
was  the  sight  of  our  camps  in    the  valley  of  the    Alemosiii,   as   viewed 
from     the  lonely  sentiiuds  post    on  the  summit    of  the  high    towering 
mountain,  at  the  foot  of  which  is  situated  the  ancient    \!  exican   town  of 
Aleraoiria  (Amilla).     At  half  past  fom*  o'clock  on   the   morning    of  the 
15th,  the  quietus  which  had  hitherto  reigned  supreme  and  uninterrupt- 
ed, save  occasionally  by  the  neighing  of  some  horse,  or  tlie  braving  of 
a  mule;  was  broken.     The  quick  crack  and   thundering    report*  of  the 
•'  reveille  gun"  which  aroused  from  their  g^iiet  slumbers,   and   perhaps 
pleasant  dreams,  those  who  ero  many  days   would  dance  to    tunes  more 
loud  than  charging  on  the  baftli;  field,  where  the  .«oulsof  men  are  tried. 
In  a  few  moments  and  every  thing  was  life  :  the  thousa.ul  and  one  mess 
fires,  the  noise,  bustle  and  confusion  of  the  camp,   marked  plainly  that 
every  one  was  intent  on  doing  something,  and    that  no  one  had  an  idea 
of  bt>ing  found  lacking  in  the  performance  of  his  duty.     Dark   even   as 
it  was,  in   a  few  moments  scarcely  a   horse  was  to  bo    seen  in    camps, 
while  some  were  taking  the   animals  out  to  graze,  for  be  it  known  that 
forage  was  a  thing  never  thought   of,  much  less  issued  to    the   men. — 
Others  were    busy  in   preparing    breakfast — dinner — in    fine,   cooking 
every  thing  they  had,   trusting  alone  to    God  for  more  when   that  was 
gone,  as  our  C.  S.  train  was  well  nigh  empty.     At  7  o'clock,  Headquar- 
ters bugler  sounded  his  trumpet,    which  was  as  much  as  to    say  :  blow 
buglers  blow,  and  congregate  oh  !   ye  rebels,  a  forward  move  is  about  to 
be  made,  and  be  jtrepared   oh  !   yc  knights  of  a  glorious    cause.     The 
sounding  of  the  trumpet  had  its  desired    eflect,  and  in    a  few  moments 
the  cooking  utensils,  boxes  and  camp  equipage  had  been   collected  and 
housed  up  in  the  wagons.     The  horses  had  been    brought  in  and  ready 
for  the  next  blast  from  Junior  Gabriel's  trumpet,  M'hieh    in  a   few  mo- 
ments  sounded  "boots  and  s.-iddles."     On  thol.Oth,  the  command  moved 
to  within  S  miles  of  Fort  Craig.     Mere  they  camped  for  the  night,  and 
after  sending  out  a  strong  picket  towards  the  Fort  and  a  .«trong  reservo 
to  it,  the  majority   sought  rej)ose  in  quiet  slumber,  while  all  the  junior 
Head-quarters  meet  at  suj)erior  ditto,  when  a  council  of  war  was    held. 
Not  being  "  a  favored  one"  and  a  member  thereof,  I   shall  not    attempt 
to  give  thif  result  of  their  deliberations  and  their  conclusions.     Suffice 
it  to  know  that  a  campaign  was  jigreed  and  resolved  upon.     Sun-rise  of 
the  morning  of  February  IGtli,  found  the   "Army  »>f    New  ^Mexico"   in 
*-' battle  line,"   the  right  wing   resting  on  the   Itio   Crrande,  the   centre 
Mretched  across  tts  valley,  and  llie  left  on  the  "]\l:issa"  or  table  land. 
A  position  for  our  artillery,  with  a  h'w  hundred  nharp-shooters,  armed 
with  double  barreled  shot-guns,  as  a  support  was  formed  and  posted  as 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  17 

k  rt'servp.  A  few  moments  of  anxious  suspense,  and  corrting  around 
the  bead  of  the  river  could  be  seen  a  courier  fairly  flyinp;  through  the 
air,  as  though  the  weal  of  a  nation  depended  upon  liis  reaching-  Head- 
quarters in  a  stated  time.  As  he  dashed  by  the  lines  the  words  from 
his  lips,  "  they  Coming  boys,"  caused  some  little  tmotion  down  the 
lines  as  it  was  repeated  in  answer  to  the  question  asked  by  ©very  one: 
"  what  did  he  say  V  The  blowing  instrument  was  again  footed,  which 
toof.  lite  toot  was  interpreted  by  Orefu,  Scurry  and  Co.,  as  to  say  :  "for- 
Avard  march,"  then  again  came  "  double  quick,  gallop,  march,"  and  for- 
ward bounded  the  long  line  of  Cavaliers  at  a  sweeping  gallop  ;  no  oue'd 
voice  being  heard  sav(;  occasionally  the  command  "  right  dress..''  TJiu.s 
they  went  until  the  bead  of  the  river  was  reached,  when  lo,  and  behold, 
and"  army  of  blue  coats  was  seen,  the  first  that  ever  met  the  eyes  of 
^5ibley's  Brigade.  Does  auy  one  doubt  but  what  queer  emotions  then 
rankled  in  l,h 3  bosoms  of  many,  in  both  armies.  When  within  SOO 
yards  of  the  enemys  battle  line,  a  few  long  ranged  I\Iiniiie  guns  ^vero 
fired  by  them  which  caused  the  command  Halt,  twice  repeated,  to  be 
issued  fiomour  commander.  "My  feelings- at  that  vr.oment  no  tongue 
can  ever  tell."  In  the  centre  of  the  enemy's  line,  we  sav^";  them  give 
way  to  the  right  andJeft.  What  next,  a  dead  silence  prevailed  through- 
out our  lines.  In  a  moment  moi-e  we  seen,  ay,  heard  the  dead  rumb- 
ling sound  of  wagons,  flying,  almost  as  it  were  at  lightning  speed,  over 
the  hard  eurth  ;  then  a  blast  of  the  enemy's  bugle,  and  the  tale  Vvas  told. 
"  Artillery!  Artillery,  was  cried  down  our  lines.  In  a  moment  "  mid 
dread  silence,"  and  the  machines  were  unlimbered  and  in  position.  Next 
a  jet  of  smoke  and  boom,  boom,  and  the  very  air  was  filled  with  gravo 
yard  sounds,  as  the  missiles  of  death  Hew  hissing  by.  Every  tenth  man 
was  ordered  to  the  "  front",  where  they  were  ordered  to  S5tay  at  ''all 
hazzard*."  Our  battle  lino  \yas  then  withdrawn  out  of  range  of  the 
enemy's  gnns,  which  when  done,  they  Ceased  firing,  limbered  up,  and 
drove  to  the  rear.  Now  came  the  strategiUic  moves,  and  grand  was 
the  display  thereof.  To  the  entire  satisfaction  of  all  concerned,  Gen. 
Sibley  proved  himself  a  wily  chieftain  ;  yet  Mr.  would-be-general  ap- 
pears to  think  that  if  the  enemy  had  charged  our  position  that  they. 
"  would  have  give  ns  particular  h — 1,"  at  least  he  so  expressed  himself 
to  the  writer,  but  sinco  he  is  no  General  or  Colonel,  neither  a  Major  or 
Captain,  his  say  so  can't  bo  taken  as  good  adithority.  About  sun  down 
the  enemy  commenced  withdrawing  their  forces  to  the  Fort,  leaving  a 
strong  picket  line,  which  wc  also  did,  and  likewise  retired,  not  to  our 
Fort,  but  to  our  strong  hold.  But  one  man  was  wounded  on  our  sidf , 
(his  name  in  the  t.able  of  tin;  wounded  will  show),  bow  many  on  that  of 
the  enemy  never  has  been  known  to  us.  On  the  following  night  and 
day  our  engineer,  sapper  and  miner  corps  were  busy  in  finding  a 
foul  in  the  river  that  th^•  arny  might  cross  to  the  o])posito  (East)  side. 
Nothing  unusual  trftuspirt'd  on  that  day  ;  a  lord  wa.-.  found  .and  on  the 
morning  of  the  19th,  the  army  commt^nced  crossing.  By  night  the  job 
had  be«u  completed  ;  camp  was  ogtablished  about  one  and  a  half  milos 


IS  A  HISTORY  OF  THE 

nearer  tlie  Fort.     Then  on  the  previous  night,  the  men  sleeping  on  tjieii 
anns,  without  unsaddlinjr  their  horses?  ;  order?  were  given  to  hav«'  (hn-e 
davs  rations  conkfd.  against  day  lightof  the  niorningof  the  20th,  which 
order  was  complied  witli.  as  faras  it  was  in  the  power  of  the  men  to  do. 
Rations  were  then  quite  shorr,  in  so  mucli  thai  some  had  none  at  all. 
Ten  thousand  times  ten  thousand  conjectures  were  atioat  nuiongst  the 
men,  and  questions  innumerable,  asked  in  relation  towliat  was  about  to 
be  done,  and  where  we  were  going.     Day  light  found  our  little  army  in 
their  s:  ddles.     The  command  was  divided,  in    the  centre  of  which  our 
wagon  train  was  plnced.    In  that  form  tlie  lino  of  march   was  taken  up, 
and  following  the  river  back,  we  marched  until  wo  crime  in  sight  of  the 
federal  Fort,  where  the  head  of  our  column  turned  up  a  cannon  obliquely 
to  the  right.     "  Where  now  V  incjuired  an  individual  whose   propensi- 
ties to  ask  questions  were  greater  than  that  of  a  Dutch  .Tew  tin  peddler. 
The  enemy  seeing  our  move,  sought  to  intercept  them  M-ith,  by   at  first 
i«euding  out  their  cavalry  U)  intercept  our    line  of  march,  or   "  cut  our 
communication,"  but  on  seeing  that  we  moved   "  in  body,"    and   were 
prepared  for  the  worst,  let  come  what  might,  they  retired  after  skirmish- 
ing some  little  with  a  few  of  our  long  ranged  guns  in  the  hands  of  our 
best  shots.     No  one  wa.s  killed   or  wounded  on   either  side   as  I    have 
ever  learned.     Against  12  o'clock,  M.  we  were  six  miles  east  and  flirect- 
ly  oposite  Fort  Craig,  on  a  high  mountain    from  which  the   Fort    could 
be  distinctly  seen  with  the  naked  eye,  Avhile  with  a  glass,   every  thing 
in  and  around  it,  in  the  shape  of  a  man  was  pfnfectl}'  visible.     It  would 
not  be  presuming  too  nuich,  to  have  an  idea  that  every  one  in  the  Fort 
were  watching  us,  and  our  every  turn  and  move  with  patient  eyes.    Up 
to  this  time,  ourjournay  had  been  performed  with  but  little  trouble,  but 
now  comes  the  "  tug  of  war  ;"  deep  ravines  (.cannons)  were  to  cross,  and 
high  hills,  mountains  were  to  climb,  after  w^hich  was  done  we  were  then 
far  enough  advanced  above  the  Fort  to  commence  heading  in  towards 
the  river,  which  course  was  taken  about  ten  o'clock   at  night,  the    river 
was  nigh  ten  miles  distant,    over  a    level  sandy  plain,    in  which    the 
Avagons  would  settle  nearly  +o  their  hnbs.     Our  teams  were  fast  giving 
out,  both  for  the  want  of  food  and  water.     Our   horses  were  in  a  like 
condition,  while  the  wantof  the  same  was  being  felt  by  the  men.     After 
Iraverling  all  night,  one  half  of  the  command  at  a  time  with  the   trains 
sc.inio  pulling,  pome  pushing,   and  no  few    curbing,    others  Avero  on  tho 
look-out  ;  daylight  tound  the  advance  portion  of  tho  Brigade  within  two 
miles  ol  the  river,  the  Fort  being  in  the  valley  below  and  behind  higher 
hills  than  those  on  which  our  army  Avere,  it  could  not  be  seen.     Famish- 
ing alnio!;t  for  the  want  of  water,  our    advance  ptished   forward  for   the 
nv(u-,  then  plainly  in  view.     When  the  cr«st  of  the  table  land  had  been 
gained  so  that  the  a  good  view  of  the  valley  in  the  direction  of  tho  Fort 
could  be  had  about  the  hour  ol   sun  rise.     Imagine   reader    what    meet 
the  eyes  of   the    first  one  who  looked    in  a  .southward    direction.     No 
cornier  was  iiecessary  to  hear  tho  news  back    that  they  were   coming  ; 
liki' wild-fire  it  ffow,  many  were  wont   to  leave  (li«  train   and  go   meet 


tiljl)   Sllll.KV    HKKtADK.  1!i 

them,  whilo  others  there  were  Avho  firmly  belimerl  in  having  •'  ;i  hasc." 
This  was  ♦he  ever  memorable  2ist  day  of  February,  on  which  was 
fo«ght — 

THE  BATTLE  OP  VAL  VERDE— GREEN  VALLEY. 

The  bcitde  commenced  at  9  A.  M.  The  enemy  having  taken  their 
position  in  the  valley  between  us  nnd  the  river,  and  it  being  impossible 
for  us  to  either  dislodge  or  flank  li.  m,  an  open  field  fight  was  the  order 
of  the  day.  The  enemy  evinced  no  disposition  to  attack  us  in  our 
position  knowing  that  we  were  suffering  for  the  want  of  wafer,  and  that 
we' were  either  compelled  to  fight  them  on  their  own  ground  or  perish, 
they  were  content  to  allow  us  to  make  the  first  "  pass,"  which  we  did 
by  opening  on  them  with  Teel's,  Riely's  and  Fulcrod's  Battries.  After 
dancing  to  our  music  for  a  short  time  they  commenced  (o  move  on  our 
right  wing.  Being  repulsed  in  this  they  determined  to  dislodge  us  by 
their  artillery,  which  they  brought  from  the  opposite  side  of  the  river 
and  placed  in  position  some  600  yards  in  our  advance,  quite  out  of  th^ 
range  of  our  small  pieces andvSquirrell  guns.  For  a  sliort  time  they  pified 
a  lively  air  for  us.  A  cavalry  charge  was  ordered  on  our  right  ;  tw(> 
companies  of  the  Second  Regiment  were  the  ones  picked  upon.  "  The 
Lancers"  were  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  ;  a  charge  was  sounded,  with 
ohouts  they  bounded  forward.  Scarcely  had  they  advanced  to  within 
one  hundred  yards  of  the  enemy's  infantry  coluuni  ere  twenty-nine 
horses  lost  their  riders,  and  back  the  squadron  came.  In  a  few  moments 
afterwards  a  charge  on  the  battery  was  ordered.  Seeing  the  column 
advancingjon  the  battery,  Colonel  Green  ordered  the  whole  line  to  charge. 
For  a  few  moments  the  strife  was  terrific  beyond  description.  The  bat- 
tery WHS  taken,  but  not  until  every  man  belonging  to  it  was  killed. — 
Such  desperate  fighting  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  has  never  since  been 
witnessed.  Captain  McCray,  who  commanded  the  battery  fell  pierced 
with  many  bullets  whilo  vainly  trying  to  urge  the  infantry  support  for- 
ward to  his  rescue.  In  this  charge  we  carried  every  thing  before  us. 
routing  the  enemy,  we  drove  them  to  the  river  where  they  "took  water" 
on  short  notice,  more  like  a  herd  of  frightened  Mustangs  than  like 
men.  Many  of  them  were  killed  in  crossing  the  river.  In  the  charge 
upon  the  battery  we  lost  the  most  of  our  killed  and  wounded.  *  Lock- 
ridge  and  Von  Heuvell  were  killed  and  Sutton  here  received  his  death 
wound.  The  enemy  formed  on  the  opposite  side,  of  the  river.  Colonel 
Scurry  collected  all  the  cavalry  together  in  order  to  niak(^  the  victory  a 
complete  one.  On  his  reaching  the  rirer,  and  as  he  was  just  in  the  act 
of  cro.ssing,  the  enemy  sent  a  flag  of  truce  to  our  Commander,  asking 
to  bo  allowed  to  bury  their  dead.  Under  cover  of  the  truce  which  was 
granted  them  they  saved  themselves  by  sudden  flight  to  Fort  Craig. 

^lany  wwre  disposed  at  the  time  to  censure  Colonel  Green  for  receiv- 
ing the  flag.  Yet  as  the  enemy  lost  the  day  by  crossing  the  river  with 
their  artillery,  we  would  doubtless  have  lost  much  of  our  gains  had  we 
have  crossed  over  with  oox  cavalry.     This  C^ilonol  Green  readily  snw^ 


ao  A  MlS'J'oljr  ()['  T1!K 

and  now  iliose  who  were  thcit  thu  first  to  blame  iiim,  arj  lb  ^  lirsi  l^ 
loramcnd  him  for  his  gc^iirralship  on  the  occasion.  ]i"sides  th*  battery 
we  captiuC'i  larjjft  (juautiiics  of  provisions, and  small  arms  aud  accoutre 
inonts.  K Very  Yank,  had  one  or  more  canteentiand  (Invad  baskot)  hav- 
••i-sjick,  and  every  one  disrobed  hiipself  on  leaving  the  iicld.  Many  of 
thfir  canteens  were  filled  with  whiskey,  and  it  is  said  that  those  of  the 
battery  were  tinctured  v.ith  I'atlnr.  (>ur  half  starv<'d  boys  "  {gorman- 
dised snmj»tuonsly'"  on  yanke.' lij^ht  bread  and  other  most  deiicions 
eatabhs.     That  nif^ht  we  bivouacctl  on  the  lield. 

The  batthi  being  over,  a  victory  having    been    achieved,    the    dead 
buried,   and  thn  wounded  cared  for,  m'c  will  proceed    Avith  the   advance 

division  of  the  Brigade,  consisting  of  campanios of  the  Second 

Regiment,  under  tho  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  H.  C.  McNeill,  who  re- 
ceived orders  on  the  evening  of  tho  — ~,  to  move  on  up  the  country  with 
but  as  little  delay  as  po.^Bible,  and  take  possession  of  the  town  of  Secorro, 
near  25  miles  above.  The  order  was  obeyed  with  apromptnesa  deserv- 
ing of  much  credit.  Oncoming  near  the  place,  a  few  yanks  came  out 
and  oflered  light,  which  was  given  to  them  on  their  own  terms  without 
the  loss  of  blood  on  our  side,  and  but  three  killed  and  two  wounded  on 
their  side  ;  seeing  which  they  quickly  betook  themselves  to  flight, 
leaving  a  sacked  and  burned  town  to  fall  into  our  hands.  Here  oiir 
advance  haulted  and  commenced  iitting  up  a  Hospital  for  tln^  reception 
of  our  sick  and  wonnded.  A  few  .supplies  were  found  where  the  yun- 
kces  had  hidden  them,  together  with  a  eo?isiderable  (juantity  of  medi- 
cines and  hospital  necessaries,  all  of  which  came  in  good  lime.  ()nr 
Medical  Purveyor,  Dr.  (Jovey,  here  established  a  General  Hcj.'^pital, 
himself  the  chief  .surgeon,  assisted  by  Dr.  Samuel  13.  Manny,  a  private 
in  company  "  A"  of  the  First  Regiment,  who  for  his  ability  as  a  ])rac- 
tioneer,  his  devoted  kindness  to  tho  sick,  wounded  and  weary,  as  >vell 
as  for  His  unbonnJed  j)opulaiity,  was  shortly  afterwards  promoted  to 
Assistant  Surgeon.  On  the  y4th,  the  army  arrived  from  below  and 
camped  a  few  miies  above  St-corro.  Here  itwasthat  Lieut,  (.'ol.  Scurry, 
commanding  the  V'iv.st  Heirimiuit  played  tho  part -of  a  skillful  brave. 
Oin-  horses  for  the  want  of  iorage  had  been  dying  at  the  rate  of  an  hun- 
dred per  day.  'J'he  artilliM-y  was  abmit  to  bo  left;  tlia  largest  half  of 
(!ach  lugiment  l):id  lost  llicir  horses,  anel  lor  the  patriotic  purpose  of 
rendering  more  (fineiint  llie  service,  the  First  l^egiment  were  induced 
to  turn  over  to  the  Quarterm.ister  their   horses   and    equipnients,  to   b(^ 

paid  for,  per  pledges  of  Scurry  and — ,  approved  I'rrhrrly  by  (xen- 

cral  Sibley,  at  their  a])pra'scd  value.  This  aa  as  the  last  or  it,  save  tpc- 
casioually  a  few  passing  remarks  made  of  it  by  tho  victims.  Col.  liiely 
long-  afterwards  made  endeavours  to  collect  it,  but  all  to  no  avail. — 
Coloncd  Kardtsman  also  made  several  unsuccessful  attempts.  Somotinje 
in  June  18(J4,  shortly  after  General  ^Vharton  assumed  command  of  the 
Cavalry  corps  of  District  of  "West  Louisiana,  Captniu  Ale.vfindor  ad- 
dre'scd  a  memorial  to  the  General  acquainting  him  of  th(>  fact,  and 
prayin^f^that  measures  Riivrht  b.-  lahen  by  him   which  woidd   insure  thi' 


OLD  ?113LET  BtKJADK.  21 

Sfpcody  collection  of  the  claims  for  the  benefit  of  those,  who  by  law  and 
uature  could  but  look  to  hiin  for  their  rights.  In  reply  the  ,  CTeneral 
jtssurcd  the  command  that  evfny  thing  within  his  power  should  b« 
done  towards  getting  their  pay,  and  that  he  had  made  endorscjments  on 
it  and  forwarded  it  to  Department  Headquarters,  Avhere  it  now  rests  and 
will  foreA-er  lay,  nnthought  of,  unheeded  and  uncared  for.  'i'his  goes 
too  plainly  to  show  the  manner  in  which  things  are  conducted  by  those 
whose  business  it  is  to  look  after  the  comfort,  well  being  and  good  condi- 
tion of  the  army  in  the  field.  While  on  this  subject  I  may  as  well  hero 
digress  further  from  our  line  of  history,  which  will  be  duly  taken  up  »n 
another  ]iage,  and  speak  of  thin  Department  (pay)  in  general  as  con- 
nected with  our  Brigade.  By  them  itAvould  have  been  considered  an 
unpardonable  sin  to  liavo  been  paid  ofl'in  any  issue  at  any  time  when 
it  was  worth  anything.  The  Brigade  was  first  paid  oil"  some  time  in 
^lay,  18G2,  u))  to  the  23d  of  ])ecember,  IS61.  It  was  next  paid  in 
February,  1863,  (i>  the  30lh  of  November  1862.  Tlien  again  in  Louis- 
iana .some  tiuK*  in  November,  1863,  up  to  July,  1803,  and  the  last  pay- 
ments received  by  them  was  up  to  October,  18G3.  Money  is  easily 
made,  and  why  iti  it  that  any  Begiment,  Brigade  or  Division  should  be 
a  year  behind  in  pay  1  How  comes  it  that  the  soldiers  in  the  field  are 
not  paid  in  preference  to  paying  the  army  contractors  and  thieving 
speculators?  Why  is  it  that  'f  post  duty''  men  and  the  feather-bed 
soldiers  are  the  first  to  receive  pay  ?  Why  is  it  that  the  Ilo.'^pitals  — 
Fi(^]d  Hospital — are  not  Kut)plied  with  money,  and  the  iield  soldiers 
])aid  while  the  money  is  worth  something  ;  before  the  accursed  specu- 
lator's pockets  has  been  fiU.'d,  and  by  his  nefarious  rascality  and 
wicked  designs  against  the  good  of  our  cause,  country  and  people,  its 
value  has  becmne  so  depreciated  th.-U  a  duty  doing  soldier,  when  he  gets 
it,  can  scarcely  buy  a  meal  of  victuals,  or  go  one  hundred  miles  through 
even  the  patriotic  State  of  Texas  on  two  years  pay.  How  can  it  be 
possible  that  our  friends  in  'JV-xas  could  ever  expect  to  sec  any  cff  iheiv 
friends  belonging  to  the  army — the  field  army — home  on  furlough,  when 
it  is  utterly  impossible  to  travel  as  an  honest  man  with  "a  soldiers  pay." 
Keturning  now  to  where  the  Brigade  was  encamped  on  the  Rio  (Grande 
in  the 'IVrritory  of  New  Mexico,  not  many  leagues  from  Socorro,  wo 
will  see  what  has  bwn  done  there  for  the  benefit  ot  a  "  bleeding  coun- 
try." \\\{\\  the  dismounting  of  the  First  lli-giment,  and  with  their 
horses,  mounting  that  portion  of  the  Second  Bcsgimenl,  who  through  the 
casualties  of  war  M-as  on  foot,  as  W(dl  as  fitting  iip  for  the  two  batteries, 
I'eel's  and  the  one  captured,  known  as  the  Val  Vwde  Battery,  a  fine 
outfit  of  horses  ;  had  perfected  both  of  these  arnio  of  th(>  service,  and 
made  one  infantry  corjis,  whicli  with  the  battaiion  of  the  J'hird  Regi- 
ment, who  were  shortly  dismounted  by  their  own  free  will  and  accord, 
constituted  the  largest  portion  of  the  grand  army  of  New  ]\Iexico. — 
Colonel  Green  at  the  head  of  400  cav.ilry  crov^scd'over  to  the  West  side 
of  thu  ItioGrandej  whiln  Co).  McNeill  with  an  equal  number  remained 
on  the  Fast  sid-.      In.-i  f.-v..  rl-ivf.  the  ;fri»v  >\  ;ifc  ;i'_'aiii  on  the  move  north- 


22  A  iJiS'j  (iifT  or  I  III-: 

ward.  The  enemy  who  wero  then  in  a  manner  heleaprucfl  inFort  Craij^, 
had  evinced  nn  disposilion  whatt  vt-r  tu  molest  us.  or  contest  the  gmnnd 
with  u»,  since  the  drnbliinp:  they  rei-eived  rI  our  hands  on  the  momora- 
ble  21st.  A  forward  move  was  made.  AUmerjuerquo  w;us  full  ot' both 
Bupplies  and  (Quartermaster  stores,  the  very  tbiii^  needed  by  our  boys. 
McNeill  commahdinp  was  ordered  with  Major  Pyron's,  a  part  of  his 
and  company  "A"  of  the  Third  Hegiment  to  move  with  all  possible 
ha8t("  to  that  place,  while  Colonel  (ireen  on  tho  opposite  side  would 
move  with  him.  At  day  lipht  mid  shouts  and  cheers  the  cHvalry  com- 
mnndu  moved  ofl"  at  a  brisk  pace,  followed  by  the  artiliK'"  .dose  behind 
which  came  the  "  foot  pads,"  as  they  designed  to  call  themselves.  Lieut, 
])(iwden  who  wa.s  a  participant  in  the  glorious  atfair,  in  a  letter  to  the 
Authrir  says  :  "  Our  march  from  Socorro  was  accomplished  without  any 
thing  of  marked  interest  transpiring-,  save  occasionally  a  few  astonished 
looking  Mexican  women,  who  were  seen  gazing  with  wonder,  surprise 
and  amazement  at  the  "  ruhcllc  SoUlouxn."  Not  a  blue  coat  was  to  be 
seen  on  the  road,  and  not  until  within  one  mile  of  Albuquerque  did  we 
see  any  of  their  works.  As  we  came  in  sight  we  beheld  three  largo 
columns  of  smoke  assending.  as  it  were,  to  the  very  heavens.  This 
told  the  tale  for  us.  Our  advance  had  beeji  made  known.  On  our 
approach,  instead  of  giving  us  a  fight,  the  garrison,  which  consisted 
only  of  cavalrv,  applie.i  the  torch  to  all  the  government  houses  and 
property  in  the  place.  1  remember  having  seen  an  estimate  in  a  Yan- 
kee journal  of  the  loss  at  this  place  which  amounted  to  ^S. 000, 000,  If 
U  could  have  been  poHsible  for  us  to  have  hindered  thie.  the  Confederate 
Army  of  New  Mexico  would  never  have  experienced  any  inconvenience 
for  the  want  of  rither  clothing  or  commissaries.  On  this  no  doubt 
General  Sibley  bad  an  eye  singly  fixed  long  before  ho  reached  the  Ter- 
ritory ;  and  had  the  property,  that  was  thus  destroyed,  fallen  into  our 
hands,  Fort  Craig  with  its  entire  garrison  would  have  been  compelled 
to  surrender.  J^ut  again  to  M<r.  Dowden's  account  of  wh.il  happened. 
Colonel  (4reen  on  the  opposite  bank  had  not  yet  made  his  appearance. 
Bv  this  time  Major  Pyron  comm^-nded  the.  advance,  says  the  Lieuten- 
ant :  "  we  had  not  been  in  town  over  a  half  an  hour  when  a  manliy  the 
name  of  Gillispio  came  in  with  dispatches  from  Dr.  Cavanough,  who 
was  at  a  Post  called  Cavero,  GO  miles  to  the  west  of  that  place,  stating 
that  the  Post  was  well  supplied,  and  urging  the  importance  of  a  small 
force  beingsent  there  witlmut  delay.  Major  Pyron — true  soldier  like — 
without  reference  to  any  higher  authority,  ordered  (-apt.  'i'hurm(»nd  of 
the  'I'bird  Regiment,  to  take  his  company  and  occupy  the  Post  and  send 
forward  as  rapidly  as  possible  all  supplies  and  storet;  that  might  fall  into 
his  hands  at  that  place.  In  21  hours  we  were  welcomed  by  Drs, 
Cavanough  and  Boyed,  and  a  ]\Tr.  Thompson,  the  only  white  citizens 
living  in  tlit^  place,  the  few  yankf<e8  who  were  at  the  I'ost  having  left 
without  bring  permitted  to  drt^troy  any  thing.  Soon  the  boys  were 
enjovin"  good  eating  as  well  as  good  drinking.  Dr.  Cavanough  opened 
h'\-  ^\(>vy  to  un  and  in  short  notice  we  were  all  well  clad.      C'aptain  Ther- 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  23 

mond  immediately  sent  into  tlio  cotumaud  there  at  Albuequerque  25 
wagou  loads  of  cominissarit'S  and  29000  rounds  of  Ammunition,  all  of 
which  was  captured  at  this  Post." 

Major  Pyron  continued  on  up  the  country  to  Sante  Fee  and  above, 
closely  followed  by  the  Brigade,  all  save  Capt.  Ooopwood's  company  of 
Arazuna  Rifles,  and  Capt.  llardeniand's  company,  of  the  First  Regi- 
ment, who  were  left  to  garrison  the  Post  at  Albuequerque.  Pyron  in 
the  advance  with  companies  A,  B,  C  and  D,  of  the  Second  Regiment, 
under  the  gallant  ]\lajor  Schi-opshire,  brought  on  the  eiigagemeut  at 
.Johnson's  Rancho,  known  to  us  and  our  History  as — 

THE   BATTLE   OF  GLORIETTA, 

Which  was  fought  on  the  2Sth  day  of  Mnreh,  JSG2,  with  the  ;'ol- 
lowiug  Companies,  Regiments  and  parts  of  Regiments,  commanded  by 
Lieut.  Col.  Wni.  R.  Scurry  ;  Of  the  First  Regiment,  Companies  B,  C, 
.D,  E.  F,  G,  H,  I  and  K  ;  of  llie  Second  Regiment,  Companies  A,  B, 
C  and  D  ;  of  the  Third  Regiment,  Companies  B,  E,  F  and  I,  together 
with  Pyron's  command. 

The  battle  commenced  at  an  early  hour  in  tlie  morning,  by  the" 
enemy  making  a  simidtaneous  attack  on  our  right,  lel't  and  advance,  as 
we  were  nvarching  through  the  canon  from  which  the  battle  took  its 
name.  As  the  "table  of  battles"  will  show,  the  ent  my's  force  under 
Slough  was  more  than  treble  our  uumbers.  The  onset  was  most  ter- 
rific. A  moment  ai>d  the  engagement  became  general,  by  our  boys 
charging  up  the  high  cliffs  on  both  sides  of  our  line  and  bringing  on  a 
hand  to  hand  engagement  with  the  enemy,  who  occupied  the  heights 
and  positions  behind  the  cliffs.  The  conflict  was  desperate,  but  few  of 
our  men  stopping  to  reload  their  pieces  after  they  had  fired  them.  Here 
for  the  first  time  in  the  history  of  the  present  war  was  H  that  guns 
Averc  used  as  clubs,  and  knives  were  used  as  a  weapon  of  v/arfare.  For 
two  long  hours  the  battle  raged  with  unceasing  fury,  with  a  despera- 
tion unequalled  by  any  engagement  of  the  war.  The  enemy  fought 
with  a  desperate  determination.  With  demoniac  yells  our  little  army 
drove  them  by  inches  at  a  time,  as  it  were.  Seeing  that  we  were  de- 
termined to  do  or  die,  the  enemy's  lines  were  finally  broken,  and  that, 
too,  with  some  little  confusion.  Their  two  thirty-two  pounders,  which 
had  been  doing  us  no  little  damage,  were  captured,  but  in  consequence 
of  our  inability  to  remove  them  they  were  taken  off  the  field  that  night 
by  the  enemy,  who  were  allowed  to  come  back  and  bury  their  dead — 
thus  another  violation  of  the  flag  of  truce.  On  that  night  snow  fell 
near  one  foot  deep.  Many  of  our  wounded  died  from  the  effects  of  the 
cold.  The  lists  of  the  killed  and  wounded  will  speak  more  plainly  of 
the  desper.ateness  of  this  fight  than  I,  who  was  not  a  participant,  can. 
The  Yankee  account  of  it  makes  it  one  of  the  most  desperate  fights  on 
record.  Would  that  I  could  .'-peak  more  of  it.  Those  braves  who  fougbt 
there  deserve  much  of  tht^ir  country.  The  noble  dead  deserve  more 
than  a  passing  notice  at  my  hands. 


Iti  A  HI8T0KY  OF  THE 

Mnjor  Ragjuat,  of  tliP  First,  ami  ^Lij.  Shropsliirc,  of  th(>  Soconil 
Ref^imonf,  wt-ni  both  killed  Ium-c.  Capt.  Buckholds  was  found  dt-atl 
closi'  by  tbrce  dead  Federals,  >vlio  had  undouhtedly  been  killed  by  his 
knife.  He  whs  killed  by  ft  sabre  thruati  the  one  doinp;  it  beiiip^  killed 
by  the, Captain  with  hia  pistol  before  hfi  expir^d.  Ihrouj^h  the  kind- 
ness of  the  obliginj;  and  justly  popular  Adjutant  .1.  Collins,  I  have 
bwn  able  to  lay  before  you,  kind  reader,  the  followiiiij'  address — the 
only  official  "word"  tb.it  I  have  been  able  to  Keceive  of  the  battle  since 
niv  journal  was  stolen  at  I'leasaut  Hill  : 

HEAn-Qi'AnTh»is  Advance  Divison  Army  ok  Nkw  Miixiro,  ) 
Canon  Clorietta,  .March  29,   \bii2.  I 

Oenkrat,  ORnBR  )^ 
No.   1.  J 

Soldiers — Yon  have  added  .inother  victory  to  the  loii;^  Il,-^t  oi  hi- 
umplis  won  by  the  Confederate  armies.  By  your  conduct  you  have 
given  another  evidence  of  the  daring  courage  and  heroic  eiidiiraiui' 
which  actuate  3'ou  in  this  groat  struggle  for  tho  independence  of  your 
country.  You  have  proven  your  right  to  stand  b}"  the  side  of  tliose 
Av-ho  fought  .and  conquered  on  the  red  field  of  San  Jacinto.  The  battle 
of  Glorietta— ^where  for-ix  long  hours  you  steadily  drove  before  you  a 
toe  of  twice  your  nmnuers — over  a  field  chosen  by  theuiselves,  and 
deemed  impregn.ablp,  will  take  it-;  place  upon  the  rolls  of  your  country's 
triumph?,  and  serve  to  excite  j-our  children  to  imitate  the  brave  deeds' 
of  their  fathers,  i»)  every  hour  of  that  country's  peril. 

Soldiers — 1  aui  proud  of  you.  Go  on  as  you  have  commenced,  and 
it  will  not  be  long  until  not  a  single  soldier  of  tho  United  States  will  bo 
left  upon  the  soil  of  New  Mexico.  The  Territory,  relieved  of  the  bur- 
dens imposed  on  it  by  its  late  oppressors,  will  once  more,  throughout, 
its  beautiful  valleys,  ''blossom  as  tho  rose,"  beneath  the  plastic  hand  of 
peaceful  industry. 
By  order  of 

Lieut.  Col.  WM.  R.  SCi:ilIlY.  Commanding. 

Ei.LSDRRRV  K.  La,\f,,  Adjutant. 

After  the  battle  of  Gloriotta  had  btun  fought  ai'd  news  of  it  had 
been  received  by  tho  Federals  at  Fort  Craig,  Canby,  then  connnand- 
ing,  on  he.aring  that  Federal  reinforceniouts  were  rn  route  from  ^lissou- 
ri,  and  would  in  a  few  days  be  .at  Fort  Union,  which  was  but  a  short 
distance  from  where  the  late  battle  had  been  fought,  premeditated  a 
forw.ird  move  in  tho  direction  of  Albuequerque  and  Santa  Fe,  and  by 
making  a  simultaileouB  move  on  us  from  below,  in  conjunciion  with 
Col.  Slough'B  forces  I'rom  Alissoiu-i,  that  wc  would  be  conipelled  to  suc- 
cumb to  the  pressure.  Gen.  Sibley's  head(|uart<"r8  were  a  few  mileF 
above  Albuequerque.  On  the  ."Jd  of  April  (.'anby's  forces  left  Fort 
Craig.  The  advance  under  M.aj.  Duncan,  ariived  at  Socoro  on  that 
evening.  Tho  news  of  the  move  was  conveyed  to  Gen.  Sibley.  Col. 
'"-r^en.  with  bin  regiment,   Wits  :\  sliort   distance  below  Sauta  Fo.     (Ju 


OLD  SIBLEY  BllIGADE.  15 

the  morning!:  of  the  6th  the  Federal  forces,  1500   strong,  appeared  be- 
fore the  -VN-ails  of  Albueqnerque.     (ireen  had  been  dispatched  to  on  the 
previous  day  to  move  with  all  possible  haste  to  the  relief  of  that  place. 
His  marches  will  attest  to  the  maimer  in  which  this  order  was  obeyed. 
The  First  Regiment  (dismounted)  and  the  Third,  who  were  camped  a 
few   miles    above    Col.  Green,   received   the   same   orders  j    and   such 
marches  as  they  made  are  not  to  be  found  in  the  annals  of  modern  his- 
tory.    The  heroic  little  gan-ison,  under  llardeman  and  Coopwood,  had 
done  their  duty.     Fifteen  hundred  of  the  enemy,  >vith  all  the  improve- 
ments that  late  inventions  had  made  to  arms  in  u?e,  as  well  as  in  can- 
non, were  for   thirty-six   long    and  sleepless  hours   kept  at   bay,  and 
finall}^  repulsed  by  the  gallant  little  garrison,  which,  at  the  outside,  did 
uot  number  over  190    men,  one-half  of  whom   w^ere  armed  with  shot- 
guns, which  were  of  but  little  use.     Col.  Green,  and  the  ini'autry  under 
Col.  Scurry,  arrived  just  in  time  to  see  the  vandals  flying,  at  Bull  Kuu 
speed.     It  would  be  but  wasting  paper  for  me  to  attempt  to  give  any- 
thing like  an  account  of  the  joy   expressed   by  loud   and  prolonged 
shouts  which  filled  the  air  as  Green  was  seen  coming  in  and  as  tlio  Yan- 
kee artillery  was  seen  to  "limber  up,"  and  the  firing  cease,  as  the  long, 
blue  lines  of  infantry  were  drawn  oflf  at  double  quick.     For  the  heroic 
gallantry  displa^'ed  on  this  occasion,  Capt.  W.  F.  Hardeman  was  pro- 
moted to  Lieutenant  Colonel,  and  assigned  to   duty  as  commander  of 
the  First  Regiment,  vide  Scurry,  promoted   to   Colonel.     Leaving  the 
First,  Second  and  apart  of  the  Third  Regiment  here,  v/e  will  now  go 
back  in  the  direction  of  Santa  Fe  and  above,  and  see  what  thr.t  gallant 
baud  of  brotiiers,  under  Pyron  and  Thurmond,  are  doing,  in  the  wa}'  of 
repelling  Col.  Slough's   advance.     On  the   lith  they  had  quite  a  skir- 
mii^h  near  Santa  Fe.     Closely  pressed,  they   were  again  compsdle-i  to 
give  them  fight,  which  wan  done  without  the  loss  of  blood  on  our  part. 
(Jn  the  J  2th  Pyron  arrived   at  Albuquerque.     Something  was  now  to 
be  done ;  with  an  army  below  and  an  army  above  us,  either  of  which 
was  twice  our  strength.     Our  army  was  in  Albuquerque.     Vve  hrul  fif- 
teen days  provisions — full  rations — 35  or  40  rounds  of  ammunition  ptr 
man;  all  tolerably  well  clothed.    Now  cornea  the  tug  of  war.     To  fight 
•would  be  foolii^-hness,  not  that  we   could  not  whip  either  army,  but  that 
we  had  no  way  in  which  to  take  care  of  i-ur  wounded.     Wo  had  ammu- 
nition quite  enough  to  figlit  and  whip    Canby's   forces,  but  not  enough 
to  whip  both.     Our  army  numbered  but  2680  efi'ective  men,  whilst  that 
of  the  enemy's,  under  Cauby,  was  4800,  and  2200,  under  Slough.  They 
htdd  the  positions  on  us,  and   had  all    the   advantage  when  it  camo  t  > 
arms  and  artillery.     A  council  of  war  held  ;  a  forwaid  move  was  agreed 
upon.     But  ii'w  of  our  army  kntiw  the  exact  critical  comliiion  in  which 
we  w»;re  in.     Here  I  must  again  refer  the  reader  to  the  account  in  par: 
given  by  Mr.  Howell,  of  what  followed  : 

The  retreat  from  Albuquerque  commenct-d  on  (he  12lli  of  April,  the 
First  Regiment  and  a.  battalion  of  the  Third  moving  off  first.  The 
Second  Regiment  and  Pyron's  command,  under  Col.  Green,  remained 


26  A  HISl^OUY  OF  THE 

tmlil  the  next  morning.  Tha  advance  croBsed  from  the  oast  side  ovrr 
to  the  vest  of  tlu*  Kio  Grande,  and  ])roceed»'d  down  tlie  river  as  far  as 
Las  L;iuas,  >vlu're  it  awaited  the  arrival  of  Col.  Green  with  the  rear 
and  Brijj:ade  commissary  train.  &c.  Leaving  Alhuquerqne  iu  the  morn- 
ing, he  arrived  t  Judge  Beard's,  who  with  his  family  were  prejiaring' 
to  leave  the  Territory.  Col.  Green  determined  to  wait  during  the  night 
near  his  premises  ;  and  on  the  loUowing  morning  everything  was  iu 
rt'udiness.  The  line  of  march  v.-as  taken  up  with  a  view  of  crossing 
the  river  near  by  ;  but  on  trying,  the  ford  was  found  to  be  an  impracti- 
cable one,  on  account  of  quick-.- ind,  which  renden-d  it  even  dangerous. 
Col.  vreen,  on  being  informed  that  the  lord  between  Peraho  and  Las 
Lunas  was  a  good  one,  at  once  determined  to  move  down  to  tliat  cross- 
ing, which  he  did,  encountering  a  very  heavy  sand  betl  for  five  iiiilea 
and  rendering  it  impo.-;siltle  t  get  the  AViigous  further  than  Governor 
Conclly's  rancho — or  l\'ralt4 — where  he  camped  for  the  night  i'l  a 
Btroug  position.  The  heavy  wagons  failing  to  g<t  in,  Col.  Grei  u  im- 
mediately sent  back  wagons  suflicient  to  bring  in  the  supplied  an^i  io 
lighten  the  loads  o(  the  commissary  wagnn.s.  ile  also  sent  positive  or- 
ders to  the  wagon-master  to  briag  his  train  into  safety  ;  but  he  having- 
turned  his  mules  cut  on  the  grass,  and  apprehending  no  danger,  diso- 
beyed the  order  and  remuini'd  where  he  M'as,  some  six  or  ei^ht  miles 
from  the  encampment,  and  on  the  next  m>)rniug  he  was  surprisied  by 
the  enemy,  wha  saved  the  mules  and  burned  the  train.  Oe.r  picket 
near  by  ^vel•e  also  surpri-sed  and  some  of  themcaptund.  At  eunrise 
Gen.  Canby's  forces  appe.ired  in  front  of  our  position,  on  tlie  ea.-^t,  aii.nng 
the  sand  hills.  Their  force,  at  t!ie  lowest  et^timute,  was  con)puted  at 
5000.  Soon  brisk  and  sharp  skirmishing  .commenced  along  our  wh(dn 
ine.  Our  artillery  and  that  of  the  enemy's  exclia.iged  the  vrry  w.irm- 
est  complimen'.s.  ILmc  it  was  that  the  Val  Verdu  BaLu^ry  wa.-.  first 
tried  by  us.  Such  shot.s  as  were  made  by  it  on  this  i)ec  i;  ion  are  but 
rare  occurrences  in  the  history  of  artillery  iiring.  Every  mm  beK)ngiog 
to  it  proved  himself  a  hero.  Nettles  here  first  distingUisiied  himself  as 
an  artillerist,  llumo,  for  his  gallantry,  M'as  afterwards  promoted. 
When  it  is  remembered  that  Col.  Green's  whole  force  numbered  only 
.OoO  eflectivo  men,  witli  but  four  pieces  of  artillery,  and  him  regularly 
besieged,  the  mananivri.  g  and  gallantry  of  the  troops  and  their  com- 
mander win  be  more  du  y  appreciated.  'I'he  <'neniy  tried  iu  vain  at 
various  points  to  break  our  lines  and  force  an  entrance,  and  diive  \is 
from  the  position  mo  held,  but  were  foiled  in  i'\ery  attempt  by  tli:;  gal- 
lant little  garrison,  until  9  », 'clock,  A.  M.,  when  the  slieuts  (<f  their  com- 
rades of  the  First  and  Thi.d  lieglments  were  heard,  as  they  came  at 
double-quick  fnm  the  river  to  their  assistance,  the  gjillanl  Scurry  at 
their  head.  Such  heroic  comvige  and  zeal  is  but  scklum  displayed  as 
was  by  them  in  wading  the  river  that  morning,  to  the  arm-pits  in  the 
wafer,*  in  which  ice  was  lifjating.  They  crossed  without  a  mur- 
mur, cold  and  freezing  as  it  was,  and  with  merriment  and  gaiety  came, 
rt«<:ird!es6  of  ike  wind  or  weather,  the  liko  of  which  is  but  sddom  se«u 


* 


OIJ)  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  S7 


\\\  the  "Lone  Star  State."  After  their  arrival  tho  skirmishing  was 
aomewliat  increased  in  lierconess  for  a  time.  Tlio  enemy  made  bnt  ono 
more  at  tern  ut  to  dislodp;e  us,  with  the  same  fruitless  result  as  charac- 
terized their  previous  assaults.  At  2,  P.  M.,  they  withdrew  to  a  safo 
dist.nnce,  Icavini;"  us  in  qui't  possession  of  tho  iield.  Their  encamp- 
ments, jiowever,  were  within  full  view  of  the  garrison.  For  the  names 
of  the  killed,  wonndtHl  and  missing  in  this  engagement,  the  reader  is 
referred  to  the  Appendix.  At  8,  P.  M.,  we  again  commenced  our  re- 
treat down  the  river.  The  wind  blew  a  perfect  storm — "norther"  was 
no  nam-j  for  it.  We  crossed  the  river  at  Las  Lunas,  the  boys  of  the 
First  and  Third  Regiment  agaiu  wading.  No  words  in  any  vocabu- 
lary could  convey  to  the  reader  anything  like  a  just  idea  of  the  sight 
and  suffering  tiien  and  there  to  be  seen  and  felt.  I  leave  it  to  your  im- 
agination. The  riv*-  was  nearly  eight  hundred  yardvS  wide;  that 
night  ice  had  frozen  four  inches  thick  ;  ''mush"  ice  was  running  in  the 
river,  which  was  f?st  rising;  the  water  on  tho  ford  v.'as  on  an  average 
of  four  ^H^t  deep.  Yet  what  of  that  ?  In,  in  they  went,  reg-ardloss  of 
personal  fe<dings  of  comfort  Indeed  it  Avas  a  novel  sight  to  see  our 
army  "take  water."  To  see  them  wading  in  water  to  their  arm-pits, 
holding  their  guni^  in  their  right  hands,  thisii  cartridge-boxes  in  their 
left,  high  above  their  heads,  in  order  to  keep  "our  powder  dry,"  was  as 
amusing  to  the  participants  as  it  would  have  been  to  an  outsider.  At 
daylight  tho  next  morning  (16th)  we  left  Las  Lunas  for  Sabinal.  No 
sign  of  tlie  enemy  in  force  that  day  ;  but  on  the  morning  of  the  17th 
lie,  with  all  his  purapht>rnalia  of  war,  was  in  full  view,  just  opposite 
and  across  the  river  trom  us.  In  this  way  tide  two  armies  marched  the 
entire  day,  fr.'quently  within  ono  mile  of  each  other — all  the  time  in 
full  view.  Occasionally  sharp-shooters  exchanged  compliments  across 
the  peaceful  bosom  of  the  river,  as  it  glided  on  "its  winding  ways  to 
the  sea."  When  one  halted,  "no  matter  how  short  tho  halt,  the  other 
ditl  likewise;  neither,  however,  showed  any  disposition  to  engage  in 
deadly  combat. 

Thk  Rktrkat  throuofi  Tin:  MotriNTAixa  of  New  JilEXico  com- 
menced at  1  A.  M.,  April  18th,  1862.  It  will  bo  rememliered  that  on  the 
17th  the  hostdo  armies  marched  in  full  view  and  directly  opposite-  each 
other  down  the  Rio  Grande,  the  Federal  forces  down  the  East  bank, 
whil^  the  thinned  ranks  (from  disease  and  bullets)  of  the  Sibley  Brig- 
ade, marched  down  the  V/cst,  with  the  infantry  of  each  party  leading 
the  advance  ;  then  the  long  trains  of  wagons,  artillery •&;c.,  and  last  the 
cavalry.  One  party  ma.ched  or  halted  simultaneously  with  the  other  ; 
neilh;ir  desiring  to  bring  on  an  attack,  but  both  apparently  willing  and 
tea  ly  at  any  time  to  engage  in  "fierce  strife."  At  4  P.  M.,  when  near- 
iijg  the  narrow  pass  through  the  mountains  near  La  loia,  both  armits 
t-ncamped  in  full  view  of  each  other.  Gen.  Sibley  knowing  a  collision 
to  be  unavoidable  should  he  continue  his  march  tlown  th(!  river  on  the 
following  day,  and  that  the  forces  from  Fort  Craig  would  be  in  his  'rout, 
while     Sloughs    forcoa    would    press    him     in    th«  rear.     He    called 


!_f 


28  A  IIISTORT  OF  THE 


a  council  of  war  and  it  wds  determined  to  uiako  a  detour  of  Fome  100 
miles  around  Fort  Craig,  returniu;:^  to  the  Rio  Grande  at  or  near  Auiilia, 
3  J  miles  below  Fort  Craig.  Ca[)t.  Coopwood  know  the  route,  and  though 
wagons  were  to  bo  distroyed,  and  uiountaiua  to  ascend  and  descend,  a 
trackless  waste  of  ]00  miles  to  be  traversed  with  water  to  be  found  only 
at  certain  points,  distant  from  each  other  frequently  30  or  35  miles, 
still  when  the  order  was  received  to  "  wear  what  you  can  ;  provide 
seven  days  rations  ;  dehfroy  the  remainder,  and  carry  your  guns  and 
ammunition  if  you  carry  nothing  more,"  every  man  immediately  com- 
plied with  the  order,  and  at  1  a.  m.,  April  18,  1862,  whilt^  the  camp 
tiros  burned  brightly,  and  the  more  so  from  the  liberal  admixture  ot 
clothing  of  all  de.scriptionn,  provisions,  pieces  and  "  parcels'  of  wagons 
etc.,  with  the  artillery,  cai.ssons,  the  caravan  moved  oS.  T"«  ^aid  that 
at  the  council  of  war  held  home  officer  or  oiricers  proposed  to  des^troy 
th;*  artillery,  but  to  prevent  that  Col.  IScurry  pledged  the  services  of 
liiiHself  and  regiment  to  carry  it  through.  Whether  he  did  this  or  not, 
could  he  and  the  heroic  men  of  his  Regiment  been  seen,  as  I  saw  them, 
toiling  at  those  pieces  o(  arti.lery  (Val  Verde  Battery)  would  be  proof 
suiacient.  But  more  of  this  anon.  As  I  said  at  1  a.  m.  we  moved  oft' 
to  the  M'estward.  Marched  until  nearly  tlay-light  when  wc  halted,  slept 
and  rested  until  sunrise,  when  we  again  so'  out  for  water.  Arrived  at 
10  A.  M.  at  a  mountain  creek  ;  water  brackish  but  how  refreshing  ! — 
None  can  tell  save  those  who  like  myself  were  feeble  from  eflectis  of 
sickness  and  compelled  to  make  the  long  marches  from  one  point  to 
another  on  foot,  llere  a  portion  of  our  caissons  were  destroyed,  and 
the  celebrated  "  Mountain  Howitzers"  of  V^al  Verde  and  Glorietta  fame 
werti  consigned  to  the  Molluir  earth.  Buried  in  this  mount.ain  pass  to 
prevent  their  falling  into  thehanils  of  Canby,  Slouch  &;  Co.  The  guns 
captured  at  Val  Verdt;  alone  were  kept,  with  caissons  6lc,  to  be  taken 
across  the  "  App(fniiin's  of  Ni'w  Mexico."  A  tew  wagons  belonging 
principally  to  Brigade  Headquarters  were  also  spared.  Our  rations, 
blankets,  one  frying  pan,  cofl'eo  pot,  a  faw  tin  cups  to  each  mess  were 
carried  on  pack  mules  and  a  driver  following  on  foot  to  keep  Baalam 
"  in  ranks."  And  now  reader  just  substitute  mules  fer  camels  and  a 
dreary,  barren,  desolate,  mountainous  and  "  trackless  waste,"  for  the 
great  Desert  of  Africa,  and  you  have  it.  A  caravan  indeed  ;  not,  of  ad- 
venturous and  money  set  king  individuals,  but  a  caravan  of  care  worn, 
disappointed,  feet  sore  soldiers.  Viccoi'ious  on  every  battle  field,  but 
defeated  from  want  of  suj)plies  and  great  distance  from  assistance  both 
in  way  of  supplies  and  reinlorciinents.  It  will  not  be  necessary  kind 
reader,  for  you  to  follow  tnc  through  the  occurrences  of  each  day  in  or- 
der to  arrest  your  sympathy  for  the  greatly  fatigued,  sick  and  suil'ering 
soldiers  of  the  army  of  New  iMcxicu  Let  it  Huiliee  to  give  you  some- . 
thing  lik(>  a  general  account  of  this,  "  the  second  Napoleon's  crossing 
the  Alps."  On  the  llitli  of  A[»iil,  afier  all  incumbrances  had  been  re- 
duced to  the  Val  Verde  Battery,  a  i\tw  wagons,  the  sick  &c.,  wo  moved 
oflin  a  southerly  direction,  marching  over  mountain,  valley    and  plain. 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  29 

The  column  which  on  firet  setting  out  in  the  inoming,  was  perhaps, 
scarcely  one  mile  in  length,  towards  the  close  of  day  would  be  at  least 
ten  miles  long,  owing  to  the  sick  ;  broken  down  horses  and  men  of  the 
vommand.  Frequently  tlie  cavalry  would  be  halted  to  await  the  pro- 
gress of  the  artillery  over  some  deep  cannon,  or  up  or  down  the  sides 
of  the  mountains,  where  often  the  horses  were  taken  from  the  pieces — 
it  being  difficult  for  horses  to  climb  some  of  those  mountains  ev»'n  with- 
out any  incumbrance — and  with  long  ropes  attached,  the  noble  men  of 
the  First  Regiment  by  dint  of  great  perseverance  and  endurance,  as- 
sisted occasionally  by  members  of  the  other  regiments,  on  foot,  and 
who  happened  to  be  at  a  difficult  point.  Too  much  credit  cannot  be 
accorded  to  those  untiring  and  patriotic  officers  and  men  for  their  no- 
ble service  in  rescuing,  as  it  were,  from  the  grave,  those  pieces  which 
have  so  often,  since,  on  other  fields  of  carnage,  belched  forth  the  mis- 
siles of  destruction  upon  onr  enemies.  Much  credit  too  is  due  the  cav- 
alry portion  of  the  caravan.  Their  picket  duty  vvas  heavy,  besides  the 
great  distances  frequently  walked  before  leaving  camp  in  the  morning, 
in  quest  of  their  horses,  set  at  liberty  the  night  previous  in  order  to 
obtain  something  like  a  sufficiency  of  the  dry,  short  grass  to  sustain 
life.  The  mounted  men  too,  many  of  them  will  ever  be  gratefully  re- 
membered by  many  of  us,  who  very  feeble  from  eflfects  ot  sickness,  on 
foot,  feet  blistered  and  in  many  instances  bleeding,  parched  tongues  and 
broken  down  from  fatigue,  an<l  lying  by  the  roadside  unable  to  reach 
camp  or  water,  and  perhaps,  left  to  the  mercy  of  the  Indians,  who  in- 
fest that  region,  we  were  kindly  requested  to  mount  some  friends  horse 
and  ride  to  camp  while  he  trudged  over  rocks  and  mountains  on  foot, 
in  our  stead.  And  what  is  most  wonderful,  many  of  the  men  under- 
went the  fatigues  and  sufferings  of  that  march  while  suffering  from  that 
loathsome  disease,  small-pox.  I  remember  frequently  to  havo  seen 
men  riding  on  horseback  with  blanket  over  head  and  face  who  were  ap- 
parently covered  with  putrifying  sores  from  effects  of  small-pox.  Any- 
thing on  leaving  Albuquerque  was  preferable  to  remaining  there  in 
Hospital  and  falling  into  hands  of  the  enemy,  and  sent  no  telling  where, 
to  Chicago,  as  many  of  our  Brigade  were  ;  consequently  many  had  been 
forced  to  travel  on  this  account  who  would  not  have  attempted  any- 
thing of  the  kind  under  more  favorable  circumstances. 

It  will  bo  remembered  also,  that  as  we  had  nothing  to  bake  bread 
with  but  a  frj-ing  pan,  it  was  of  course  of  poor  quality — one  side  of  a 
cake  baked  at  onci-,  then  turned  and  the  other  baked  and  frequently 
burned.  Our  meat  consisted,  'principally,  of  some  poor  broken  down 
draught  oxen,  which  had  dra^n  some  wagons  on  our  first  setting  out. 
When  we  remembered  the  sacks  of  flour,  cans  of  lard,  sacks  of  sugar  and 
coffee,  barrels  of  pork  and  box(  s  of  bacon  we  left  in  Albyiquerque  and 
destroyed  April  18th  and  19th,  and  contrasted  it  with  our  l.ving  in  the 
mountains,  we  were  almost  led  to  bitterly  complain  against  Gen.  Sib- 
ley for  leaving  the  river,  but  experience  has  taught  us  long  since  "  that 
jiU  thinjfs  arc  for  the  kest."     On  the  evening  of  the   26th,  w»  failed  to 


30  A  Hi  STORY  OF  THK 

rench  w.ifor  an;!  bironnckod  on  the  plnin  witlumt  food  or  drink. — • 
Enrly  lU'Xt  morning  wc^  pet  out  for  Arui!l:i  creek;  arriviii';  and 
f»ati>fvinp:  thirst  at  9  a.  m..  nnd  soon  aficr  our  hunger  by  cooking 
•Ml.'.])  jacks"  and 'or.iiliiifj  hi'i'f.  Heni  vre  ri'm.aincd  until  near  sunset, 
wh«'U  ihc*  ;iriih*ry  and  wm^'on.**,  a.s  usual,  wur«<  corned  up  tlio  inount.niu 
and  all  encampod  f.>r  the  ni-^ht.  At  9  P.  .M..  Col.  Steele  witii  Battalion 
of  3d  llngiinent  met  us.  h:in;ring  desp.atches  and  letters  from  Iiomti 
and  loved  ones,  not  he.itd  f.  oui  in  many  month?.  At  fh»«  hour  of  mid- 
night many,  many  a  wojirv  Jiud  j^ick  soldier  could  have  been  seen  sitting 
around  a  li'tle  bl  zl'  of  tir — lorced  to  blaze  by  some  friend  "  fanning" 
with  his  hat — rending  letters  from  his  raotiier,  sister,  sweetheart  or 
friend.  This  was  truly  a  niTrht  of  rejoicing  with  the  army  of  New 
Me.Kico.  Lett'TS  from  honv,  and  informed  by  Col.  Steele  that  we  could 
caf-ily  reach  the  Rio  (jrnndo  on  tho  morrow,  and  that  a  large  supply 
train  was  en  route  to  our  assistance.  This  was  glorious  news.  No 
cneinv  now  between  us  and  our  supplieiii  and  fVit'nds.  And  on  the  fol- 
lowing day,  as  the  broken  dnwji  "  foot  pad"  hove  in  sight  of  the  noble 
Ilio  Grande  and  itHt»«riilo  valley,  ho  war?  led  to  exclaim  "  How  beauti- 
ful !"  "  How  fortunate  to  again  be  permitted  to  encamp  on  your  banks!" 
"  No  more  sr.ilering  oti  .■•,(•;•  )'ini  of  water  &,c."  Such  exclamations  were 
frequeiitlv  heard,  espeeiiMy  .^uiong  thr.se  or  ns  who  brought  up  the  rear 
on  "foot  back."  The  tlnui^ht  too  of  eupplies  soon  reaching  us  v/'as 
encour.'giiig,  for  our  seven  days  rations  had  now  aln^ady  lasted  nine 
days,  and  it  would  be  at  le.ist  thre<'  days  before  we  would  meet  the 
train.  Thus  a  inarclx commenced  April  IStli,  equalled  by  none  of  this 
sanguinary  struggle,  was  effected  without  being  harra.<ssed  by  the  ene- 
my, who  wa.s  seen  only  once  when  onposito  Fort  Craig,  and  then  only 
a  small  body  of  caviilry  made  its  appearance, and  was  ended  April  27th, 
186  3." 

On  the  28th  of  April,  Col.  Scuny,  who  had  been  commanding  tho 
First  Regiment  and  a  battalion  of  the  Third,  through  all  the  campaign 
in  New  Mexico,  Ictt  for  Texas.  In  his  farewell  speech — the  most  elo- 
quent of  his  lii'i — he  reminded  us  of  what  we  hatl  done,  and  in  a  most 
touching  manner,  reminded  ns  of  the  green  graves  of  our  companions 
and  brothers  left  behind  ;  ami  now  that  wo  M'ere  about  to  enjoy  a  season 
of  inactivity,  it  was  Imped  iluu  we  would  not  be  unmindful  and  forget- 
ful of  those  of  our  raidts — our  companions,  our  fri»'nds,  our  brothers — 
whose  wrongs,  as  men,  w»  were  bound  yet  to  avenge.  Sleeping  tho 
great  sleep  that  knows  no  waking,  Wi-re  the  heroes  of  Val  Verde — 
Lockridge,  Sutton  Von  Jliiivell,  and  their  kindred  noble  spirits  who 
with  them  fell  on  the  fndd  of  honor.  Kaguet,  whom  all  loved  ;  Shrop- 
shire, the  pride  of  the  Second;  liuckhoids,  the  bravest  of  the  brave, 
sleep  quietly  beneath  the  frozen  earth,  where  the  snow-cajiped  peaks  of 
the  Rocky  Mountains  over  looks  (ilorielta's  battle  plain  !  The  C(doncl 
alluded  to  the  heroic  forbearance  and  sufferings,  the  unprecedented 
marches,  and  the  cheerfulness  with  which  their  duty  had  been  per- 
formoi  while  on  the  r.treat  throngh  tho  mounKiins;  that   it    would  b« 


OLD  SLBLeY  BRIGAi>E.  31 

among  the  prouJest  and  happiest  momt'Uts  of  his  aftpr  life  to  meet 
with  and  recount  their  deeds  of  daring,  and  horrid  sufferings  whilst  to- 
gether in  ^ew  Mexico.  In  this  ho  afterwards  pvoviid  himself  stincore. 
Let  thoss!  of  his  old  Keginient  who  were  with  tht-i&  command  at  the 
memorable  battle  of  Mansfield,  attest  to  the  manner  in  which  he  express- 
ed his  joy  on  seeing  the  old  fourth  Texas  Cf.valry  (First  Regiment) 
come  dashing  by  hiin  at  the  head  of  his  brigade  of  infantry.  That  was 
at  a  moment  when  the  tide  of  battle  grew  lii.T^h — when  man's  true  noble- 
ness and  greatm-ss  is  tho  eiisier  made  apparent — and  Scurry  was  him- 
self. 

But  let  us  return  to  the  mouth  of  Sheep  Canon,  five  miles  below 
the  little  town  ot  Alamosa-,  on  the  Rio  Grande  river,  where  the  army  of 
New  Mexico  were  encamped  for  the  night  of  April  2Sth,  18G2.  Weary, 
tired,  sore-footed,  more  sick  than  v,ell,  and  half-starvKl,  they  wre  to  be 
seen  :  some  washing,  some  sle«'ping,  some  caring  for  the  sick,  and  some 
dying,  whilst  but  few  were  cooking  the  ribs  of  some  work  oxen  that 
had  given  out  and  wer  •  killed  by  the  men  who  were  the  nighest  starved. 
Companies  D,  E,  G  and — ,  of  the  Third  Regiment,  under  Col.  Steele, 
had  met  lu3  command  out  iu  the  mountains,  some  twenty-five  miles 
from  the  river.  They  had  four  days  full  rations  witli  them  at  the  time, 
which  they  divided  to  the  last  mouthful  with  the  boys  before  reaching 
the  river.  I  met  the  advance  some  ten  miles  further  on  than  Col.  Steele 
did,  with  the  mail  and  dispatches  to  Gen.  Sibley.  It  wns  nearly  dark 
when  Cul.  Ri(-!y  and  myself  came  to  where  the  Brig:ade  had  just  as- 
cended their  last  high  hill  on  the  Alamosa  Creek.  Such  sights  as  I 
there  saw  is  yet  f're.-5h  in  my  nn-mory.  It  would  be  impossible  for  mo 
to  give  anything  like  a  graphic  account  of  what  I  saw.  Here  it  was 
that  I  saw  grown  manhood  shed  r  tear;  where  suffering  in  all  its  types 
was  be  seen.  Co!.  Kiely's  eyes  r.ai  water  as  he  grasped  the  hands  of 
Cols.  Scurr}'  and  Hardeman,  and  greeted  with  a  warm  "how  are  you" 
and  "howdy"  eveiy  one  whom  he  met.  We  were  thirty-five  miles 
from  the  riv^r.     Believing  myself  as  able  to  walk  as  any  one,  1  loaned 

my  horse  to  my  young  friend  Collier ,  and  resolved  upon  takii:g 

it  aloot,  telling  him  to  ride  on  to  the  front  and  get  to  the  river  that  ray 
horse  might  i,ot  suQer  for  water  longer  than  necessary.  Long  ere  I 
reached  the  t^iojiping  j)lace,  my  feet  were  blistered,  arid  I  would  have 
"caved"  had  it  not  been  lliat  liundreds  were  still  going  forward  who 
had  traveled  f<;r  many  days  at  that  rate,  and  who  Avere  by  odds  in  much 
worse  plight  than  my.^elf,  when  it  came  to  sores,  to  say  nothing  of 
hunger.  . 

It  is  not  my  object  to  criticizes  the  generalship  of  any  one  in  this 
work,  yet  I  must  hrre  remark,  as  an  evidence  of  liow  b.idly  we  had 
whipped  Canby  and  his  forces  whilst  in  New  Mexico,  that  had  he  been 
disposed  to  light,  In;  surely  let  his  good  chance  slip  him  here.  Had  he 
mo\-ed  down  the  river — which  ho  could  have  done,  with  all  eas. — to 
where  we  struck  it,  thirty-eight  miles  below  Fort  Craig,  something 
would  have  been  done,  to  say  the  least  of  it.     Bnt  now  to  the  march  for 


Sa  A  lllSTUKT  UF  THi: 

broad  and  meat — Fort  Bliss,  Texas,  150  mili-s.  Di.-pa(clips  had  b<»en 
sent  to  tlie  commanders  bi-low  to  sen<l  to  the  relief  of  "siiff  ring  liu- 
mnnity"  every  wagon,  loatled  with  everyiliin;;  lie  had  to  eat,  wiiliont 
dcl»y.  Col.  Stwule's  conimisiJ.iry  train  was  reached  tliat  night,  some- 
where in  the  neighborhood  i.f  Fort  Thorn,  and  the  hunger  wjis  duly  nj)- 
peased.  Marching  from  Fort  Thorn  on  the  morning  of  the  29th,  the 
]vio  (Jrande  was  crossed  tliat  evening  at  the  San  de  lago  crossing. 
Here  another  grand  wading  scene  was  presented.  R.ifls  were  built  on 
which  to  cross  over  the  ammunition  and  wagons  containing  the 
"archives."  The  artillery  had  marched  in  advance  that  moiiiiiig,  and 
reached  the  crossing  considerably  in  advance  of  tho  "foot  j)adh,"  who 
were  taking  their  time  at  it.  Since  from  the  fact  of  our  always  being 
ready,  the  pieces  were  loaded  with  shotted  charg(»8,  which  had  to  bo 
taken  out,  lest  it  could  not  be  done  should  it  get  wet  in  crossing.  On 
trying,  the  "pullicans"  would  not  bring  her,  so  it  was  re.solved  to  get  it 
out  by  force,  lleadquariers'  consent  was  received  to  fire  away,  and 
boom,  boom,  a  half  a  dozen  times,  thumlered  our  artillery,  the  report  of 
which  was  known  to  our  "foot  pads"  as  being  tho  report  of  the  Val 
Verde  Battery.  Judge  of  the  sensation  it  created  amongst  them.  Had 
the  Yankees  got  in  their  rear  ? — a  thing  not  at  all  improbable.  "An- 
other fight,"  says  Jack  to  Jim,  who  quickly  swore  that  "he'd  rather 
fight  twenty  Yankees  than  to  try  another  one  of  Coopwood's  cut-ofls." 
The  excitement  occasioui'd  by  this  was  not  alone  confined  to  the  "file," 
but  also  to  the  "rank."  On  :he  morning  of  the  30th,  his  command 
being  out  of  danger,  Gen.  Sibley  left  us  for  Fort  Bliss,  Texas,  tog.-thor 
with  Col.  Riely  and  Ju<lgo  Beard  and  his  interesting  and  patriotic 
family.  Col.  Green  then  commanded  the  Brigade,  which  marched 
twenty-three  miles  and  camped  at  Roblario.  On  tho  next  day  we 
marched  through  the  towns  of  Donua  Anna  and  Las  Crnsias,  camping 
three  miles  below  the  latter  j)lace  on  a  high  aqueduct,  called  Amaso  by 
the  natives.  Here  it  was  that  I  was  made  to  see  happy  h — 1,  and  I 
presume  that  every  one  else  was  also,  since  there  was  near  a  thousand 
in  my  fix.     Just  as  1  had  retired  to  rest  my  weary  bones,  the  aforesaid 

Amaso  aqueduct,  or  what  the you   might   call  it,  was  cut  by  somo 

thii;ving  or  knavish  individual,  or  somcf  one  else  who  was  still  worse, 
and  lo  !   a  rumbling  sound,  as  tliough  high  winds  were  coming,  and  in 

another  moment  the  cry  of  "w;iter,  water!"  "who  in has  cut  that 

ditch  ]"  was  shouted   l)y   an   hundred    or  more  half  drowned  and 

frightened  soldiers,  as  they  with  their  traps  and  duds,  for  dear  life, 
nought  safety  in  flight  to  the  hills.  Through  the  indefutigablo  exer- 
tions of  Col.  Hardeman,  assisted,  as  subordinates,  by  Wilson,  Crifiin 
and  self,  the  crevasse  was  stopped,  but  to  no  use  lo  us,  a^  our  camp 
was  all  under  watei.  The  next  day's  march  brought  us  to  Willow 
Bar,  our  old  camp.  Here,  on  ihe  1st  day  of  May,  1SG2,  we  had  a  gen- 
eral muster.  I  have  witnessed  many  May  days  in  many  parts  of  ih.o 
world,  but  never  before  diit  one  appear  halt  bo  lovely,  half  so  beautiful 
as  did  thig  one  ;  and  in  years  to  como  on  that  day  I  shall  think  of  my 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  JS 

May  day  spent  there,  of  those  around  me,  of  what  I  thought,  of  what 
we  talked  of,  and  of  what  we  had  to  eat,  which  I  assure  you,  kind 
friend  at  home,  was  as  delicious  and  as  palatable  as  any  ever  set  be- 
fore kings,  princes  and  potentates.  It  was  beef,  poor  beef,  without 
salt,  and  bread,  flour  bread,  ditto,  and  no  tobacco  to  chew  or  smoke  as 

a ;   name  it  yourself.     Parts   of  the  Ti)ird  Regiment  were  L>ft  al 

Roblario  and  Donna  Anna;  tlie  Seond  at  Las  Crusias  and  Massilla. 
Tliurmond's  company  of  the  Third  were  sent  out  on  a  scout  to  the  San 
Augustine  Springs  and  beyond.  Before  returning  many  rattlesnakes, 
crawling  insects  and  "varmints"  were  devoured  by  them,  in  order  to 
keep  lite,  soul  and  body  together.  The  First  Regiment  was  sent  to 
Franklin  and  Fort  Bliss.  Gen.  Sibley's  headquarters  were  establishe  1 
at  the  latter  place,  at  the  residence  of  Mr.  JM;igothn.  On  his  arrival 
there  he  issued  ;in  order  promoting  Lieutenant  and  Adjutant  Sayc.s,  vjf 
the  Second  Regiment,  for  his  gallantry  at  Val  Verde  and  I'eralto.  to  a 
captaincy,  and  authorizHd  him  to  have  men  transferred  iroiii  each  ;)r 
any  of  the  Regiments  to  the  Val  Verde  Battery.  The  Captain  luif.  i 
no  difficulty  in  organizing  his  company,  which  was  finally  CDinplotk- J 
on  the  14th  day  of  May,  by  the  men  el-'Cting  the  .oil  )win^j  o^Hc'^i-s  : 
J.  D.  Sayers,  Captain  ;  Nettles,  1st  Lieutenant;  Hume,  .Jr.  2  i  Livvt- 
tenant  ;  Fulcrod,  3d  Lieutenant,  all  of  whom  have  distiiigi.ushed  lh<'ia- 
selves  on  many  occasi  iis  since.  The  Battery  preci.;Jed  the  c«nnmand 
down  the  country.  It  arrived  at  San  Antonio  some  time  in  June,  and, 
unlike  the  Brigade,  was  not  furloughed,  but  proceeded  on  to  Marshall, 
Texas,  where  Gen.  Sibley's  headquarters  were.  After  remaining  there 
a  short  time  it  went  on  to  Louisiana,  where  it  arrived  several  weeks  in 
advance  of  the  Brigade,  and  was  in  some  warm  engagements  with  the 
enemy  before  we  arrived.  With  Waller's  Battalion,  it  took  the  U.  S 
gunboat  Diana,  on  the  8th  of  April,  1863.  Covering  itself  with  glory, 
it  participated  in  the  battles  at  and  around  Camp  Bisland,  where  its 
youthful  captain,  J.  D.  Sayers,  was  dangerou.«Iy  wounded  in  ihe  thigh 
and  head.  Nettles  commanded  the  gunboat  Diana  in  the  light.  For 
the  gallantry  of  himself  and  men  he  received  the  applause  of  ihe  whoh) 
army.  Hume  commanded  the  Battery  at  Vermilion  Bayuu,  where  with 
but  one  section  he  kept  back  8000  of  the  enemy,  and  com  pi  lied  them 
to  take  from  the  lield  their  celebrated  Nimm's  Battery  oi  Na  oieoa 
guns  (this  Battery  was  afterwards  captv.red  at  Mansli  id).  At  Bayou 
Burbeaux,  Fordoche  and  the  Lafourche,  again  it  pariicii^.ited.  I'iiea 
to  Texas  in  the  Fall  of  1863;  back  again  to  Louisima  in  the  Spring 
of  1864,  where,  at  Mansfield  and  J^hasant  Hill,  it  u<»biy  austainefl  its 
high  reputation  for  gallantry.  At  Mouett's  Ferry  it  exchanged  but 
few  shots;  but  at  Mark.sville  and  Mansuria  better  shots  were  not  n^ido 
than  were  by  this  Battery.  At  Yellow  Bayou  it  so.iuded  h.ud,  and 
again  heroically  played  its  part.  The  table  in  the  appendix  will  .show 
their  killed  and  wounded.  (Jn  account  of  their  horses  being  broken 
dowo,  the  JBattery  wai  Uft  in  Louisiana  ia  the  Fall  <»f  1»G4,  wh»«  ^m 


■Ji  'A  UI3T0UY  OF  THE 

iirigntlf  went  to  Aikasp.-is.     Nrnv  that  thi»  Vr.l  Vonlo  is  throng;]!  with, 
we  will  return  to  tho  ilrijjade  wIutc-  it  wap  when  wn  lelt  it.. 

'I'lio  First  llfgiinent  was  quarlfred  in  Fniiikli;j,  and  carape'l  (Ooin- 
p.'iiiii/s  A,  li,  K  and  G)  oi)«  uiilu  IikIow  Fort  Ulif*.  Nothing  of  much 
interest  or  iiQj>ort;inc«i  avcuned  while  here.  E\  ery  one  was  Inokinp 
patiently  tor  the  tinu»  lo  come  when  we  wouM  fake  up  the  line  i.f 
ni.irch  for  .San  Antonio,  since  it  hmi  hecome  known  that  that  was  our 
"sure  destiny."  On  the  niornino:  of  the  5th  of  June  the  fi)ll<iwiiifj  com- 
panies of  the  First  Beginicnt — A,  B,  D,  E,  O,  I  and  K — were  ordered 
info  line,  and  after  a  few  brief  remarks  from  Col.  JIardi'inan,  were  olY. 
In  lii.s  remarks  he  told  llieiu  that  he  never  had  sought  to  deceive  any 
one,  and  that  he  would  not  have  them  marching  under  falsn  impres- 
sions ;  that  our  rations  were  short ;  that  a  supply  train  from  ^'an  An- 
tonio would  doubtle^.s  m«'<<t  us  at  Fort  Lancaster.  Of  thi.*,  howevt-r,  he 
would  not  be  too  positive,  niid  if  would  not  at  all  be  unlik.-ly  that  we 
would  bo  forced  to  go  much  farther.  Col.  Scurry  had  a«lvis<»d  him  of 
his  having  sent  forward  provisions,  which  should  meet  us  there.  UoL 
Kioly  had  turiu^d  over  the  command  to  him,  and  he  trup;ted  that  every 
Olio  would  bear  up  under  the  disadvantageous  circumstances  which  sur- 
rounded us;  and  that  our  trip  might  not  prove  to  be  so  bad  as  we  h«^ 
everv  reason  to  fear  it  would  bo. 

The  next  division  under  -Maj.  Hampton  followed  the  next  day. 
Colonel  Hardeman  ha  I  no  surgeon  with  liim.  The  sickness  occa.«!ioii(.l 
bv  the  lirst  dav  or  two's  marcli  was  truly  painful  to  brh'dd.  'J'iii- 
•weather  was  oppressively  hot  in  the  river  valley,  from  Fort  liliss  to 
Fort  Quitman,  and  it  was  not  an  unusual  sight  to  seeour  poor  boys  giving 
out  along  the  road,  when  but  ;i  few  miles  of  the  days  journey  h.id  bec-u 
performed.  I  well  remember  counting  2.'i  one  morning  l>el'ure  10 
o'clock,  who  were  soexhausttil  as  to  bo  unable  to  go  any  farther.  Tho 
only  thing  in  the  shape  of  inediciiies  that  was  along  brlongfd  lo  a  pri- 
vate individual.  His  stock  consisted  of  two  ounces  of  !,uida)unn,  one 
ounce  Essence  I'ep|»ermint  and  three  ounces  of  .Sj)irits  of  Cliaiuphor,  all 
of  which  he  divided  with  his  sick  companions.  On  le.iving  Fort  Bliss 
we  were  compelled  toji-avc  many  of  our  sick,  the  greater  part  of  whom 
died.  As  much  to  illustrate  the  ungratefulness  of  a  part  of  (he  lunnan 
race,  I  must  here  make  mentiuu  of  a  little  circumstance  connected  with 
my  own  personal  history.     On  leaving  Fort  Bliss  1    was  so    fortunate 

as  to  be  the  proprietor  of  a  horse.    A  young  man,  a  Mr. .  to  whom  f 

was  a  stranger,  yet  forhisuviral  demeanor  and  deportment,  I  had  lonncd 
a  feeling  of  friendship  f'r  hlui  wliih;  sick  ;  and  on  leaving,  1  sold  him 
my  horse,  which  he  was  uiiabie  (o  pay  for.  He  was  left  at  Fort  Lacas- 
ter  where  he  died.  Afterwards  his  father  who  was  ;i  very  w»'althy  man 
at  a  time,  Avhen  money  was  money  to  t^very  soldier,  ilisputed  (he  ac- 
count and  refused  to  pay  it  ;  and  besides  walking  fropi  Kl  ]';isso  (o  San 
Atitonio  to  accommodate  his  son,  and  if  possible,  gt^t  him  home,  I  was 
obliged  lo  discount  liia  son's  ii«te  in  ord«r  to  realize  something.     This 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  85 


is  the  way  with  tho  world,  witli  the  Rev.  Mr. ,  any  how.  On  ar- 
riving at  Fort  Quitman  wc  haliotl  for  one  day,  and  Lieut.  Barns  with  a 
party  was  scniton  to  Eagh^  Spring.^,  the  lirst  watering  phico  after  leav- 
ing the  river,  36  miles,  to  have  tho  springs  cleaned  out,  in  order  that 
water  enough  for  the  command  m-ght  be  had  on  its  getting  there.  At 
three  o'clock  P.  M.,  the  lino  of  march  was  again  taken  up.  At  dark  a 
short  halt  was  made  at  the  head  of  the  cannon.  We  had  thus  come 
ten  miles  up  a  gradual  assent  through  a  cannon,  which  is  well  deserving 
of  the  name  it  bears,  cannon  of  death. 

Daylight  the  next  morning  found  our  little  army  on  the  march.  The 
adv;^,nce  member  of  the  "  foot  pads"  arrived  at  Eagle  Springs  about  2 
p,  M.  Be  it  known  that  we  did  ndt  march  in  line,  but  every  man  for 
himself  and  the  wagons  take  the  hindmost.  At  this  place  a  ration  for 
two  days  of  beef  and  bread  without  salt,  was  cooked.  The  water  bar- 
rels were  tilled,  and  at  sun  down  tlie  march  again  renewed.  At  day 
break  we  arrived  at  the  Van  Horn  well;  the  Indians  had  filled  it  up 
with  carcasses  and  dirt,  and  our  advanc,  under  John  Barns,  did  not 
attempt  to  clean  it  out.  We  had  thirty-eight  miles  now  to  make  with- 
out water ;  the  v,'eather  was  excessively  hot,  our  boys  were  already 
broken  down  ;  our  t<'ams  were  fast  "caving;"  tln^  road  lay  over  a  bound- 
lesi=»  prairie.  At  11  o'  clock,  a.  m.,  a  short  halt  was  made  to  rest  the 
team.  Here  the  last  of  our  water  was  driink  ;  twenty-eight  miles  yet 
to  go.  Hot  !  hot!  and  no  shade,  vine  or  cloud  to  hide  the  sun  or  break 
its  parching  rays  from  on  us.  Here  it  was  that  v.^e  were  again  made 
to  suffer,  such  sniTerings  too  that  many  of  us,  myself  for  one,  never  be- 
fore had  to  experience,  and  God  grant  that  we  may  never  again.  Many 
there  were  wlio  gave  completely  out,  and  threw  themselves  down  by 
the  side  of  the  road  to  die.  Many  kept  on  forward' with  their  tongues 
so  swolen  that  they  c»uld  not  articulate  a  word,  more  crazed  than  ra- 
tional, 'hey  looked  like  frantic  mad  men.  I  remember  feeing  one  man 
shoot  a  beef  stear,  that  had  been  left  by  the  herdsmen  in  their  frantic 
flight  for  the  water,  and  cutiiig  his  throat  vnth  his  pocket  knife  drank 
of  the  animals  blood  to  quench  thirst.  This  I  was  aftei wards  tol<:  in- 
creased rither  than  diminished  his  thirst  for  water.  The  sun  was 
nearly  down,  and  fairly  in  viev.'  was  the  hills  at  the  foot  of  which  the 
springs  were  situated — called  the  Del  Mertia — Dead  Jlans  holes — yet 
they  were  fourteen  mih's  off.  "(Jreat  God  have  mercy  Jipon  us,"  I 
heard  exclaimed  by  one  of  my  companions  as  he  lay  down  to  die  or  be 
killed  by  the  Indians,  as  he  fold  me,  more  in  .=;iglis  than  in  Avords.  I 
myself  laid  down  resolved  upon  jneeting  the  same  fate,  but  life,  oh! 
bow  ](leasant  !  prompted  me  to  "  try,  try  again." 

When  witbin  eight  miles  Lieut.  Barns — who  now  sleeps  tho  sleep 
of  death — met  us  with  a  wagon  containing  water.  No  on<«  save  those 
who  have  experienced  it,  has  any  justconce])tion  of  how  refreshing  that 
first  quart  was  that  restored  life  to  many.  Here  it  wa.'<  that  the  soul  of 
B.  G.  Allen  was  called  frem  henco  to  the  G(>d  who  gavtf  it.     By  Ua  scU 


M  A  HISTORY  OF  THK 

and  alonp,  many  Icagnea  from  civilization  and  his  happy  homo.  HIh 
body  now  lies  niould»;ring  in  the  cold  oarth.  The  Fpot  i-^  m.irkod  by  a 
large  pile  of  stones.  Tears,  man-hood  tears  wrre  shed  over  his  bier, 
as  we  quietly  perlormed  the  last  sad^jrites  to  "  Collier." 

"IToI  livinp  nmn  bchoM  tlicir  di'od?, 

And  Rt'«^  tlK'ir  numelos"  crrilvc  ; 
Th«"ir  numes  aredropt  nt  roll  cfttl  now. 

Nor  will  lliey  anxwer  more  ; 

Yet  will  ihc\r  deeds  of  va'.or  live, 
Uemeraborcd  as  before."' 

After  resting  here  one  day  we  proceeded  to  the  Barrel  .Springs  ;  and 
the  next  day  Fort  Davis,  wln're  a  part  of  our  supplies  were  m  t.  Here 
we  "gormandised  aumptiously"  on   fat  beef,  the  first  for  many  a  long 
day.     Nothing  of  va.st  importance  occiUTed  from  th<.'n  until  the  second 
of  July.     Early  in    the  morning  of  which  Ave  left  the  Uoward  Springs, 
forty-five  miles  to  be  made  before  reaching  the  next  water,  at   Beaver 
Lake,  at  the  head  of  iJevils  lliver.     At  day  light  on  the  moining  of  the 
3rd,  twenty  two  miles  west  of  the  above  named  lake,  lo  !  and  judge  of 
our  surprise  on  meeting  the  first  train  that  was  sent  by  our  friends  to  our 
relief.     I  am  g.ving  a  history  of  the  Brigade  of  what  it  has  done  and  of 
•what  has  beeu  done  for  it,  el.se  1  would  aj)propriato  several  pages   hero 
in  giving  an  account  of  company  "A"  joy   and    happiness   on    meeting 
what  their  fathers,  mothers  and  friends  liad  S'lit   them,  in    the    care  of 
those  patriotic,  gray-haired  .sires,  Asa  Wright,  Eustace  and  their  youn- 
ger   friends,     Francis  Barns  and    Tinney.     Clothing,    soap  and  other 
cleansing arlicles,  such  as  combs,  &c.,    were   by  them  received,  to  say 
nothing  of  the  good,  fresh  corn  meal,  sugar,  salt,  bacon,  colTee,  and  some 
little  of  the  "crcter,''  together  with  some  tobacco,  the  first  seen  by  many 
in  several  days.     Thus   six  wagons  more  were  added  to  our  train.     It 
aQ'ords  me  pleasure,  as  an  outsider,  (o  say  that  the  boys  were  in  no  way 
disposed  to    be  selfish  or  close-fisted  with  what  they  had  received,  but 
uivid''d  freely  and  lo  tlm  last,  with  those   of  their   companions   whose 
friends  had  forgotten  tiiem  in  their  hour    ol  need,    or   had   not  yet  had 
the  time  neces.-iary  to  meet  them.     From  here  on  to  iSan  Antonio  i-very 
tliijig  went  on  finely.     At  iJenis,  the  most   of  the   Brigade   meet    their 
friends  with  supply    Iniins,  with    clothing,  «5c.c-..     At    iSaJi    Antonio  the 
Brigade  wore  ail  iurlou^'hi'd  lor  GO  days  to  go  home  and    re-mount  and 
le-outlit  ihenjseh'es,  ^nl)j(■et,  however,  to  be  called    into  camj)  at  a  mo- 
ment'p  warning.     Those  who  had  homes  went  to  them,  while  those  who 
had  none,  it  is  sujiposed,  (lid  the  best  they  coul.l.     Since    the  Govern- 
ment }>aid  nothing,  unle.<fi  it  was  some  speculator,  or  a  "  iavored  few," 
afurluu;:h  was  considered  a  fortune  to  a  soldier  without  inf»ney,  which 
was  worth  something  at  that  time,  and   it  would  not  have  done  to  have 
jjaid  a  private  soldier,  for  ho  might  have  bought  himself  a  respectable 
suit  of  clothes,  which  might  have  beeu  the  means  of  his  marrying  some 
fair  Innxt,  who  only  looked  at  a  man's  .garb,  regardless  of  his  qualities 


■*  OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  37 

as  a  soldier,  a  gentleman — the  two  are  tlie  same,  the  world  over  ;  never- 
theless, there  are  some  who  are  called  soldiers  by  reason  of  the  Con- 
script Law,  who  are  only  "  things."     Stand  from  nnder  "  Mvyes"  gun; 

if  it  hits,    fits  and  suits,  bear  the  wound   Mr. .  and   ]\Iis.ses. , 

who  have  been  guilty  of  all  the  abominable,  low  down,  thieving,  de- 
testable, hateful,  conlemptious,  scornful  and  of  all  niigrat»;ful  acts  which 
has  reflected  a  bad  name,  not  upon  you,  upon  gentlemen  and  patriots, 
who  have  made  for  the  Brigade  an  enviable  reputation,  both  amonj^st 
citizens  and  soldiers,  as  lighters,  worthy  of  the  appelation  "  Green's 
Men. 

Excuse  me  kind  reader  for  "  sloshing  around"  now  that  the  Brigade 
is  at  home,  and  I  do  not  intend  to  tell  you  of  what  it  or  any  part  of  it 
done  while  there,  lest  I  might  have  to  come  to  personalities,  or  speak  of 
what  self  or  what  some  one  else,  equally  as  undeserving,  done  ''at  home."' 
My  work  has  referencti  only  to  the  "tented  field."  ]f  howeve.  I  can 
deal  au  "over-handed  few"  to  some  of  the  "at  home,"  cotton  speculating 
bureau,  or  those  who  took  to  wearing  spectacles  af^er  the  passage  of  thu 
1st  Conscript  Law,  and  got  to  tanning  leather  for  soldier's  wives — for 
which  they  would  not  receive  Confederate  money — before  the  2d  one, 
which  took  all,  was  parsed.  Any  thing  to  keep  out  of  the  servicer,  you 
know  ;  that  you  may  shun  the  danger  of  being  struck  by  an  enemy's 
bullet ;  that  you  may  feather  your  own  nest  well  by  swindling,  cheat- 
ing and  defrauding,  through  pure  necessity,  every  .'soldier's  wife  who  has 
anything  tliat  you  may  covet,  or  who  is  compelled  to  call  upon  you  for 
that  M'hich  she  has  not,  by  reasons  of  her  husband  b<'ing  an  honorable 
man  and  serving  in  the  defence  of  iiis  country,  instead  of  staying  at 
Lome  and  being  a  "  shirk."  1  make  reference  only  to  a  certain  tew, 
they  are  known,  the  army  knows  them,  they  will  yet  meet  their  just 
dues,  if  even  but  half  of  the  oaths  that  are  on  record  against  them  are 
executed.  Gentlemen,  heed  a  fool's  advice  and  "  slip;"  let  the  first  rays 
of  hope,  of  peace,  of  happiness,  and  of  a  soldiers  return,  be  to  you  a 
token  to  leave  ;  if  not,  verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  the  soldiers  day 
of  retribution  Cometh,  and  great  will  be  the  "fall"  thereof.  I  am  a 
Koldier,  my  friends  are  all  soldiers;  my  fortune,  ay  !  my  fate  !  is  the  for- 
tune and  the  fate  of  my  country.  He  who  strikes  at  any  or  either  of 
them  strikes  me  ;  and  he  who  would  shun  and  scorn  to  be  what  1  or  my 
friends  are,  tr-ats  contemptiously  that  which  we  are  sworn  to  defend. 
Ay  !  no  oath  was  required  to  make  us  do  it ;  with  arms  and  implements 
of  war,  with  deeds,  acts  and  words,  with  even,  if  necessary,  the  sacri- 
fice of  their  lives.  Our  country  is  full  of  those  who  were  the  first  to 
cry  war,  ay  !  many  of  them  are  —  where  ?  an  .^cho  from  the  North 
would  answer.  I'ages,  even  volumnes  could  be  filled,  condemning  and 
exposing  the  frauds  and  swindling  perpetrated  on  the  pubiic  ;  on  the 
soldier  "  in  the  field,  by  the  various  cotton  agents  and  cottoa  contrac- 
tors in  Texas. 

Soldier's' wives  W8r«  told,  when  their  cotton  was  being  pressed  and 


3«  A  HISTORY  OF  THE 

trkenfrnra  them,  that  It  w.is  to  got  supplies,  mpdicine  and  clothing  for 
the  army.  In  proportion  to  the  amount  ot"  cotton  that  has  b('»'u  boufrht 
.iTid  presBod  in  Texas,  on  govarnment  account,  how  much  clotliing  haa 
the  army  ivccjvod  '{  I  nnsin  tht-  ai*my  in  the  field,  not  tliL'  army  of 
speculutors  and  extortioner.^,  whi>  no  doubt  has  rocoivi-d  considi-rabie. 
Th(!r;?  aro  many  m«n  belo-.jging  to  this  Hrigade  who  have  had  their  cot- 
ton pres.Sfd  from  them,  and  ha\  o  neV'er  received  one  cent  in  return  for 
it,  or  never  drawn  one  stitch  of  clothing  fmrij  the  government  ;  and 
althougli  tiiey  have  fought  in  every  battb^  and  have  always  had  a  gr.n, 
Vet  neViT  a  grain  of  powder,  le.id  or  caps  have  they  used  tli;it  was  im- 
ported by  cottcm  or  the  "L'otton  liureau."  What  becomes  of  it? 
AVhere  dues  it  go  to?  aro  ([uestious  now  seriously  asked  by  \\\o.  soldier 
in  the  field,  who  has  siiHere;!  by  means  of  its  being  pressed  from  him 
at  home,  and  is  now  sutVering  iov  the  Avatit  of  thai  wliieli  those  who 
took  it  promised  to  furnish.  In  the  face  of  all  the.se  things,  v.ho  could 
doubt  our  ultimate  success,  when  banded  together  is  our  army  in  the  field, 
and  not  even  suchvilu  treatment  of  their  sacred  rights  and  property  as 
this  is  able  to  make  them  forget  the  duty  they  owe  to  their  country, 
which  is  more  calculated  to  make  men  become  lukewarm  to  our  noble 
cau.e;i  than  anything  the  ehemy  can  do  to  us.  But  now  that  the  Brig- 
ade's sixty  daVs  furlough  has  ex|)ired,  we  will  bid  this  unpleasant  sub- 
ject adieu,  and  for  I'art  I  of  our  lii.>tory  prepare  a  farewell. 

Reader,  W(f  have  been  to  New  Mexico  aud  Arizona.  We  have 
borne  alolt  our  battle  iliig  on  fields  made  famous  for  our  daring  valor, 
and  now  as  a  farewell  I  will  here  give  you  the  last  rddre.'is  of  (Jeneral 
Sibley,  on  the  elf»se  of  the  campaign,  reserving  also  .space  for  his  otli- 
cial  report,  should  I  be  so  fortunate  as  to  r«'ceiv»>  a  copy  of  it  ere  this 
is  sent  to  the  p\dili.-her.  'JMie  following  address  slumld  have  been 
dated  Fort  Bliss,  Texas,  May  14th,  1862  : 

Soldiers  of  thi^  Army  of  Nnw  Mexico  : — It  i^^  with  unfeigned  pridd 
and  pleasure  ih.-it  I  lind  myself  occupying  a  position  which  devolves 
upon  mo  the  duty  of  congratulating  the  Army  of  Ne  wMexii*  upon  the 
successes  which  have  crowni^d  their  arms  in  the  many  ei»connters  with 
the  enemy  during  ^he  short  but  luilliant  campaij^u  which  has  just  ter- 
minated. 

Called  from  your  homes  almost  at  a  moment's  warning,  cheerfully 
leaving  friends,  families  and  private  aftairs,  in  many  cases  solely  de- 
pendent Ujjon  your  presence  and  personal  attention,  scarcidy  prepared 
for  a  month's  cam]taign,  in  the  innnediule  defence  of  your  own  firesides, 
you  have  made  a  nuireh,  many  of  you  over  a  thousand  mile.s,  beforo 
ever  reaching  the  field  of  aclivt!  operations. 

The  boastcul  valor  of  I'exans  has  bt^iu  fu'ly  vindicated.  Val  Verde, 
Glorietfa,  Albucjueique,  reralto.  and  last,  though  not  least,  your  suc- 
cessful and  almost  unprecedented  (n'aeualiou,  through  mountain  passes 
and  over  a  lrach>«s  waste  ©fa  hundred  wiles  through  k  fam'ishing  c»ai- 


OLD  SIBLEY  BKIGADi:.  39 

try,  will  be  duly  chronicled,  .-incl  form  one  of  tlrj  brightest  pages  in  the 
liistor}'  of  I  lie  Second  American  Revolution. 

That  1  should  be  proud  of  you — that  every  participant  in  the  cam- 
paign f.hould  be  proud  of  himself — who  can  doubt  1 

During  ihe  short  ])criod  of  inaction  which  you  are  now  enjoyinff, 
your  (general  indulges  the  hope  that  you  will  coiisfantly  bear  in  mind 
that  at  any  moment  you  may  be  recalled  iirto  activity. 

C4od  and  an  indulgent  Providence  have  guided  us  in  our  councils 
and  watched  our  ways  :  let  us  be*  thankful  to  Him  for  our  successes, 
and  to  Hun  let  us  not  forget  to  offer  a  prayer  for  our  noble  dead. 

ir.  H.  SIBLEY,"  Brig.  Gen.  Commanding. 


40  A  nisiouT  or  the 


I^.VltT    II. 

Brigade  Rrndrzvouscd  at  Mi/lintn,  JLj/ipstcad,  and  drilled — To  Hous- 
ton and  bark — To  Jlouston  and  (ialvcston — Gri(n  and  l)agby — 
Gunboats  Neptune  and  Diana — Gaheston  taken — MarcJt  to  Louis- 
ifjjifi — Batths  of  Bisland  and  Frank/in — Tbc  ritriat  to  Nibhtt's 
BluJ}'— Back  to  the  Bat/ — Taking  of  Bra  shear  City — Fott  But- 
ler— Lafourche — Morgan's    Ferry Fordochc — But  beaux —  The 

Third  Rcfrimenl  surprised — The  Run  of  2oth  of  Xurefibtr — To 
Texas — The  Juurtiey — Exchavge  of  prisoners — Their  siiffirings — 
Houston,  Camp  Lubbock  and  Harrisburg  to  Virginia  Point  via 
Sandy  Point  to  Columbia —  To  Hempstead. 

Some  time  in  October,  after  Gen.  Sibley's  return  from  Kichmond, 
(Jol.  liii'ly,  waR  placed  in  coiiiinaiid  of  llie  lirigade,  receivt  d  orders  to 
rendtzvuus  at  some  central  point,  and  witli  as  little  delay  as  possible  to 
marcli  to  Ivouisiana  and  nport  to  Gen.  Taylor.  Accordin.^ly  on  the 
2Sth  day  of  October,  Col.  Jlitiy  issued  an  order  refjnirin};  tin-  Brig;a'ly 
to  meet  at  Port  Sullivan,  Texas.  A  few  days  afterwards  another  order 
was  proinulp:ated,  requirin^r  it  to  meet  at  Hempstead,  or  thereabouts. 
Tbia  order  was  obeyed  v.ith  great  promptness  on  the  part  of  all  By 
the  1st  of  December  every  thing  was  in  camji.  drilling,  standing  guard, 
and  reorganizing,  regardless  of  the  wind  or  weather,  which  was  ot  the 
very  worst  type  imaginable.  "Without  tents,  and  many  without  a  sulfi- 
cieut  amount  of  clothing,  the  suiferiugs  of  the  men  can  better  be  imag- 
an-ined  by  the  readers  than  described  by  me,  when  tiiey  are  informed 
that  for  three  weeks,  with  scarcely  any  intermission,  it  rained,  b'ew 
and  froze  at  time.-;,  insomuch  that  many  there  were  who  had  scarcely 
hud  a  dry  stitch  of  clothing  on  them  for  that  whole  time. 

On  the  2bth  of  November.  Gen.  Magruder  having  arrived  and  tiiken 
command  of  the  District  of  IVxas,  New  ^lexico  and  Arizona,  some- 
thing was  to  be  done  ;  and  accordingly  we  were  quickly  on  the  march 
for  Houston.  Upon  arriving  at  that  jtlace,  the  Second  and  Third  Jl(  gi- 
ments  were  sent  back  to  lienipstead,  and  the  First  to  Cypress  City. 
Here  for  a  few  days  they  again  rested,  until  tlie  plan  of  retaking  (Jal- 
veston  Avas  thoroughly  concocted.  In  the  meantime  the  work  of  pre- 
paring our  fleet  went  bravely  on.  By  the  20th  of  December  the  steam- 
ers Neptune  and  Bayou  City  were  cotton  clad,  and  the  Brigade  was 
once  more  brought  to  Houston  ;  this  time,  however,  without  our  horses. 
The  whistling  of  the  locomotive,  the  rumbling  of  the  cars,  the  blowing 
of  the  bugles,  at  half-pa^t  i  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  ?*th  of  Da- 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  41 

cember,  1862*  will  long  be  remembered  by  those  of  the  Brigade  who 
were  then  asleep  at  Cypress  and  Hempstead,  Texas.  By  two  o'clock 
everything  was  in  readiness,  and  in  a  few  moments  we  were  bounding 
forward  towards  the  scene  of  iicfion.  By  daybreak  we  were  in  Hous- 
ton— three  long  trains — three  full  reginienis — all  shouting,  cheering 
and  yelling,  as  though  "old  Nick"  had  sent  them  to  perform  a  duty 
which  could  not  be  done  without  a  — ~  of  a  sight  of  noise.  Freight- 
meH  had  no  greal  trouble  in  unloading  their  cars,  which  was  quifkly 
done;  and  after  giving  two  "inhuman  yells,"  the  ^/^/w^.v  moved  off  at 
full  run,  as  though  something  had  b?en  forgotten.  While  this  was 
going  on,  a  "fall  in"  was  announced,  and  again  we  see  the  Old  8ibley 
Brigade  in  line,  ready  for  a  march  to — through  the  streets  of  Houston. 
As  we  passed  thruugh  the  city  we  were  a  little  amused  on  seeing  hrge 
posters  stuck  up  over  the  city,  calling  for  300  volunteers  to  man  the 
Neptune  and  Bayou  City.  A  brass  band  (De  Bray's,  I  believe)  was 
being  paraded  throngh  the  streets  followed  by  186  boys,  2000  negroes 
and  servants  of  all  sorts,  and  two  or  more  exhorters,  calling  upon  the 
citizens,  clerks  and  other  civilians  to  come  forward  now  in  the  hour  of 
their  country's  need,  and  volunteer  to  take ,  which  I  did  not  un- 
derstand. "I'inkney"  suggested — breakfast.  With  but  as  little  noise 
as  possible,  we  took  passage  on  the  Galveston  Bailraad,  as  we  sup- 
posed for  its  terminus  ;  but  al.is!  we  were  doomed  to  disapi)i)intmeut, 
and  were  halted  ar  llarrisburg.  The  advertising  and  drumming  prc- 
ce.ss  to  get  recruits  tor  the  service,  was  not  a  paying  one,  and  turned 
out  to  be  fruitless  in  every  respect ;  .seeing  which,  Gnen  profiVred  his 
services  to  command  the  fleet,  if  he  would  be  allowed  to  take  his  own 
men  and  pick  his  own  officers,  which  was  accepted  on  the  part  of  the 
"powers  that  be."  Col.  Bagby  happened  to  hear  of  it,  and  nothiug 
must  do  hut  for  hira  and  a  part  of  his  Regiment  to  man  one  of  the 
boats.  To  this  Green  consented,  and  their  regiments  being  close  by, 
the  required  number  of  men  were  quickly  got.  The  First  Regiment 
and  its  officers  never  heard  anything  of  it  until  the  game  Avas  blocked, 
and  bad  no  show  to  be  represented.  It  was  not  because  they  would 
not  go.  Lieut.  Grain,  with  some  fifty  of  the  men  of  the  First  Regi- 
»ient,  tned  «'very  conceivable  Avay  to  get  on  ;  but  'twas  no  go.  Lieut. 
Col.  McNeill  and  Major  Hoffman  then  moved  their  regiments  down  to 
Hariisburg,  where  the  First  was  encamped.  On  the  IJlst  Green,  with 
his  fl.'ft,  moved  down  the  Buffalo  Bayou  to  Lynchburg.  On  the  Same 
day  Gens.  Magnider  and  Scurry,  with  Col.  Riely,  went  to  Virginia 
Point,  leaving  Col.  McNeill  in  command  of  the  Brigade.  At  3:30 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  tht;  31st,  (Jen.  Magruder  sent  to  Col.  Green, 
then  at  Union  Foiuf,  the  following  significant  dispatch  : 
"Col.  Torn  Green,  Commanding  Boats  : 

"All  is  ready.     The  ptorming  rangers  of  the  land  send  greeting  t© 
the  Btonning  rangers  of  the  sea." 

(I:].  Green,  in  hi»  official  report,  say*  that  ht  r«a<i  tbis  tkrve  f^iBiwi 


42  A  lllSTOKY  OF  THE 

to  llic  boys  amid  the  londost  clu-ers.  Col.  Rit'ly  joined  tho  Briptde 
at  Bray's  Bayou.  At  half  past  4  o'clock,  or  tln'rcaljouts.  the  train  was 
halted  at  Eagle  Grove,  from  ■\vhero  we  took  it  afoot,  and  at  double 
qifick,  to — 

THE  BATTLE  OF  GALVESTON, 

Which  coinmeuced  at  half-past  4  o'clock  on  the  nioruin{;of  January 
1st,  1^6'.i,  by  Cien.  Mafrnuli-r  liriii}^  the  first  gun  at  the  Onasco  from 
the  end  of  Kuhn's  wharf,  .".iid  quicker  than  thonght  another  at  the  Har- 
riet Lane.  Of  this  battle  1  can  speak  of  only  that  which  1  with  the 
Brigade  saw.  As  Magruder's  lirst  gun  blazed  aM'ay,  wa  were  within 
one  mile  of  the  railroad  doj>ot,  just  on  the  turn  in  the  direction  of 
Broadway.  It  was  as  dark  as  dark  could  well  be  at  that  season  of  tho 
year,  and  I  feel  that  I  but  express  the  opinion  of  all  who  were  there  in 
s  lying  that  it  was  the  most  beautiful  sight  that  ever  met  our  eyes  at 
any  "bloody  encounter"  that  we  have  ever  participated  in.  Some  three 
miuufes  or  more  elapsed  befort;  the  enemy's  fleet  risplied,  and  then — 
pause  for  a  moment.  Great  Heavens!  a  flash,  and  the  whole  surface 
of  the  water  was  light(.'d  ;  and  like  lightning  it  kej)t  flying  from  right 
to  left  M'ith  such  rapid  succession  that  one  could  scarcely  discern  the 
j)auses  or  intervals  between  each  broadside.  Then  canu;  the  thunder- 
ing sound — no.  thunder  bears  no  analogy  to  the  sounds  that  there  met 
our  ear.- — ihe  ground  on  which  we  stood  fairly  ijuaked,  as  broadside 
Tifter  broadside  wa.>-;  poured  into  the  city.  At  fir.st  the  enemy  used 
hhrapnell  and  grape.  As  day  dawned  and  they  saw  that  our  batteries 
on  Kuhn's  whan  had  been  eaVctuaily  silenced,  they  commenced  throw- 
ing shells  of  all  size.s  and  shapes.  As  we  were  tnrning  in  from 
liroadway  towards  Market  Sijuare,  by  some  unknown  nu-ans  the  enemy 
became  apprized  of  our  whereabouts  and  of  our  move,  judging  from 
several  shots  they  directed  towards  the  head  of  our  column.  Some  as- 
sert most  positively  that  the  first  shell  did  not  miss  the  head  of  our  low- 
est man  more  than  five  feet.  1  remember  very  distinctly  feeling  "the 
wind."  Uad  it  been  but  a  few  feet  lower,  with  the  correctness  of  its 
range,  it  would  ha\e  killed,  God  alone  knows,  how  mauv,  as  it  passed 
directly  over  the  heads  of  our  ("Ktire  line.  From  this  we  double- 
quicked  and  took  position  behind  the  Custom  House.  Three  well 
directed  shots  pierced  that  building  through  and  through  wliile  wo 
were  there.  Col.  McNeil!  with  his  regiment,  whs  ordered  to  man  a 
large  9  inch  Columbiad  that  was  half  way  in  position  at  the  railroad 
depot.  At  7  o'clock  tho  enemy's  fire  became  lighter.  In  a  moment 
more,  and  tin;  word  "Green's  coming  !"  "His  fleet's  in  sight!"  Now 
the  firing  on  the  city  ceased.  A  fow  moments  dead  and  dread  silence, 
and  boom,  boom,  boom,  the  sound  uf  broadside  af'ier  broadside  echoed 
aeross  the  bosom  of  the  bay.  For  tho  fight  with  the  boats  on  tho 
water  1  v.ill  again  refer  to  Mr.  Howell,  who  was  a  partici2)aut  in  the 
fray. 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  43 

The  guuboit  expedition  in  the  recapture  of  Galveston  cousistefl  of 
the  steamt-rs  Bayou  City  and  Neptune,  filled  up  and  clad  with  cotton, 
accompanied  by  the  John  F.  Carr,  as  a  tender.  The  guns  on  the 
Bayou  City  and  Neptune  were  manned  by  Company  B,  Cook's  Heavy 
Artillery,  Capt.  Weir  commanding.  The  marinevs  on  the  Bayou  City 
consisted  of  members  of  the  Fifth  Uegiment,  Col.  Tom  Green  com- 
manding; those  on  the  Neptune  of  the  Seventh  Uegiment,  Col.  A.  P. 
Bagby  commanding.  At  12,  M.,  December  31st,  1862,  the  "chosen 
few"  left  their  respective  encampments  near  Harrisburg,  and  proceeded 
to  the  wharf  at  that  place,  where  they  soon  went  aboard,  and  each  man 
was  a.^signed  his  position  on  deck.  The  flotilla  moved  off  at  2  P.  m., 
following  (of  course)  the  meanderings  of  Buffalo  Bayou.  We  halted 
one  hour  at  Lynchburg  for  wood,  and  again  started  for  the  scene  of 
action.  Many  a  heart  beat  with  emotions  of  anxiety,  and  in  many  in- 
stances painful  suspense,  though  with  confidence  in  the  end.  No  one 
doubted  that  where  the  hero,  Green,  led  but  that  victory  was  theirs. 
These  men  had  braved  danger  on  land,  but  never  before  on  sea.  The 
thought  that  perh;ips  when  victcry  was  theirs  that  a  fatal  shot  might 
Bend  them  to  the  bottom  of  the  briny  deep^  Still  (hey  all  moved  for- 
ward, confident  and  anxious  for  the  time  to  arrive  when  they  could 
prove  to  Yaukeedom  that  "cotton  was  king,"  and  that  cotton-clad  boats 
and  Texas  horse  marines  were  not  the  insignificant  "tricks"  our  enemy 
chose  to  consider  them.  At  12  P.  M.  the  fleet  passed  Half  Moon  Shoals, 
and  proceeded  within  five  miles  of  the  "Island  City;"  but  receiving  no 
aigoal,  it  returned  to  the  Shoal  and  awaited  the  opening  of  the  scene* 
At  half-past  4  a.  m.,  January  1st,  1863,  at  the  firing  of  the  first  gun, 
already  referred  to,  the  fleet  again  set  out  for  the  scene  of  action;  and 
who  can  ever  describe  the  emotions  of  the  men  aboard  those  vessels,  as 
they  approached  nearer  and  nearer  that  beautiful  though  terrific  scene. 
Sheets  of  flame,  screaming  and  bursting  shells,  showers  of  gi  ape,  and 
the  report  of  heavy  guns,  all  served  to  render  it  one  of  the  most  terrific, 
as  well  as  beautiful,  scenes  that  ever  met  the  gaze  of  man.  Still  tho 
boats  move  boldly  and  defiantly  towards  the  Harriet  Lane,  which  was 
moving  directly  towards  them.  Boldly  the  combatants  advance.  The 
Neptune  moving  to  the  larboard  of  the  Harriet  Lane,  and  inteiuliiig  to 
board  heratonce,  was  struck  somewhere  near  '"midships"  and  sunk  to 
the  bottom,  though  in  shallow  water,  .and  her  crew  were  sj)ared  a  con- 
siderable swim  by  remaining  on  the  hurricane  deck.  The  Bayou  City, 
nothing  daunted,  came  to  the  rescue.  Having  burated  her  best  gun, 
which  explosion  killtid  tho  lamented  and  heroic  Capt.  Weir,  a  braver 
man  than  whom  never  commanded  a  piece  or  batteiy,  the  Bayou  City- 
ran  up,  grappled  the  Harriet  Lane,  and  at  the  command  from  Greeu, 
his  gaflaut  boys  leaped  aboard,  cutting  the  netting,  and  in  a  moment 
the  boasted  vessel  was  theirs.  The  others  hoisted  a  white  flag,  and 
ignominiously  ran  out  under  its  protection.  Commodore  Kenshaw, 
commanding,  blew  up  his  flag  ship,  the  Westficld,  and,  it  is  said,  him- 
self with  it.     Two  schooners  weru  alio  captured,  laden   with  ooal  and 


:»  A  niSTOKY  OF  THE 

provisions,  and  lost  and  be>t  of  all.  Galveston,  tlio  lovply  Island  City 
of  tlie  Soiitli,  was  ^e^^cn^•d  from  f<  dc'i-.a!  rale.  The  B.iyou  Oity  was  only 
slij^litly  dama{;pd,  as  nlpo  w.js  the  Harriet  Lano.  Cap:.  Wainwrigbt, 
c  nr.nandlnf^  tlie  Lane,  and  many  of  his  crew  w»ti'  killed.  Tlit^  Nep- 
tune lost  seven  mi>n  killed,  priiieipally  of  the  Third  R.giment.  I  trust 
to  lie  able  to  furnish  the  reader  with  the  names  of  those  who  composed 
the  "forlorn  hope"  in  the  ntaking  of  Galveston.  I  sought  every  op- 
portunity to  obtain  copif.«;  ff  Col.  Grenn's  and  (!en.  ^lagruder's  oflicial 
reports  of  this  afTair,  but  signally  failed  in  every  attempt. 

The  Battle  of  Galveston  bi'ing  over,  and  our  killeil  and  wounded 
being  c.ired  for,  our  Brigule  was  moved  out  and  cauiped  near  the  Gal- 
veston Gass  Works.  Htre  we  remained  for  a  fVw  day?-  Volunteers 
to  man  the  Harriet  Lane  was  c;illed  for  ;  the  full  compliment  of  men 
were  quickjy  madt;  up  from  our  Brigade.  The  machinery  of  the  boat 
had  heen  so  badly  injured,  that  on  trial,  it  would  not  work.  The  vol- 
unteers were  sent  bacK  fi  th  ir  commuids  without  receiving  a  thankeij 
for  doing  what  the}'  liad  much  less  any  of  the  good  yaiikee  comtnissary 

and    edibles  on  board,   which  Commadore ,  aj  propriated    for   his 

own  table.  I  have  reference  to  the  m.an  who  accused  a  p  irt  of  out 
Brigade  of  acting  cowardly,  but  was  unable  to  sub.stantiate,  or  stick  irp 
to  what  he  said  when  Captain  Burrows,  of  theTliird  Kegiment.  called 
upon  him  for  an  explanation.  Oi:  the  niglituf  the  I4tli,we  In-ard  heavy 
firing  at  Sea  in  a  south-westerly  direction.  (  fids  us  wi'  af.erwards 
learned  was  the  C.  S.  Steamiu-  Florida  wlnfi  she  sunk  the  U.  t^.  Steamer 
"Hattar.'iss.)  On  the  l(3tli,  the  Brigade  was  again  on  the  go,  this  time 
for  Hempstead,  llx'uce  for  Louisiana.  Arriving  at  Hempstead  on  the 
18th,  the  First  Regiment  were  moved  to  Navasota,  the  other  two  in 
their  old  camp-.  Here  we  drew  a  few  clothi;ig  and  some  few  blanUels, 
the  first  ever  drawn  by  the  Brigade.  On  the  29th,  we  were  paid  off 
four  m<nith.s  pay  and  our  S ")0  bounty.  Making  every  possible  prepara- 
tion for  a  move  for  Louisiana,  however  strange,  there  was  but  little 
drilling  in  those  days.  On  the  18th  of  February  the  camps  were  brokt-n 
up,  the  wtll  in  all  their  glee  marching  off  for  the  scene  of  action  ;  the 
sick  to  Houston.  The  \\\-A  Regiment  was  divided  into  divisions  as 
'follows  :  Companys  A,  B,  C,  and  H,  Uider  Cipta  n  W.  V.  Alexan  ler  ; 
Companys'  E,  F,  and  1,  under  Captain  8.  JL  Crosson  ;  Company'  D, 
and  G,  under  Major  \j.  M.  Lesure — then  Captain.  The  First  Division 
went  by  way  of  Crockett  .and  Nacogdodo s  ;  the  Sicond  by  way  of 
Snmpter,  and  the  Third  by  way  of  folk  county.  The  Second  Regi- 
ment was  divided  in  luit  two  division-!,  under  Green  and  Shanon.  The 
Third  in  two  also,  under  l>:>gby  and  Major  Hoffman,  all  meeting  near 
Chenuyvillo,  Louisia.na,  about  the  1st  of  April.  Oo  the  8ih  the  First 
Regiment  were  camped  on  Bayou  .Sal  •,  o!i  the  plantation  of  .Mr.  Hud- 
son, where  Col.  Riely's  Headquarters  were  established  a  few  miies  from 
Cloutierville.  The  Second  Kegimeiit  was  camp.'d  near  the  above 
place,  while  the  Third  were  out  "  sloshing  around"  alter  jnyhawkers, 
and  volnnteeriug  to  man  the  gun   boats  VVebb  and    Grand  i)uke,  and 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  45 

(I 
if  I  mistake  not  some  of  the  "s^nll^'nt  kniglits  got  their  foot  into  it," 
shortly  aftrr  arriving  at  this  place. 

Waller's  BATTALroM  of  Thxas  Cavalry  was  attached  to  the  Brig- 
ade, and  has  since  hcvn  "one  of  us,"  participating  witli  us  in  all  our 
hardships,  and  sharing  with  us  that  glory,  if  any  we  have  acquired. 
This  Battalion  was  organizt^d  at  Hfinpstead,  T(!xas,  on  the  1st  of  June 
1862,  hy  electing  the  following  Hnld  officers  :  Ed.  Waller,  Jr.,  Lieut. 
Colonel;  H.  II.  Bopng Major;  1).  C  Proctor,  Adjutant,  Joe.  Nurer, 
Sergeant  Major ;  J.  iOIersh field,  A.  Q.  M.;  W.  Hincs,  A.  C.  S.  ;  Dr. 
R.  C.  Watson,  Ass't.  Surgeon,  and  Samuel  Ferguson,  Steward.  The 
table  of  officers  of  each  Regiment  given  in  the  Ajipendi.x,  will  show 
each  company's  organization  as  it  was  tht^n  ;  as  also  now.  "  It  took 
up  the  line  of  march  for  l^ouis^ana  on  the  3d  of  July,  1862  ;  fought  the 
battle  of  Bonnot  <larre,  September  8th  ;  lost  2  killed,  21  prisoners  and 
856  horses."  The  damage  done  the  enemy  on  the  occasion  has  never 
been  thoroughly  known.  ''  Participated  in  the  engagements  around 
and  on  Salt  Island  on  the  8th.  9th,  10th  and  12lh  of  November.  At 
the  engageiu'-nt  at  liutte  La  Rose,  January  4th,  1864  ;  at  Camj)  Bis- 
laud,  January  14th,  1864  ;  Cochran's  sugar  farm  on  the  Teche,  March 
27th  ;  and  on  the  28th  of  March  captured  the  gun  boat.  "  Diana"  with 
but  a  loss  of  ten  horses  killed.  The  Val  Ferde  Battery  of  the  old 
Brigade,  with  some  few  men  of  the  Fiist  Regiment  were  in  this  affair, 
conimandf'd  by  Major  Boone,  This  was  the  first  fight  that  any  part  of 
our  old  Brigade  had  been  in  while  in  Louisiana,  unless  the  horse  whip- 
ping given  to  an  overseer  on  M;  j.  Sprigg's  plantation,  on  Bayou  Rapides, 
by  some  of  the  boys,  for  strikir,g  one  of  their  sick  companion,  with  his 
negro  whip,  for  gt'ting  ojie  of  the  negroes  to  bring  him  a  canteen  of 
water  out  to  the  road  ;  unless  this  is  considered  a  fight,  the  gunboat 
affair  with  Waller's  Bittaliou  was  the  first.  On  the  8th,  9th  and  10th 
of  April,  the  Battalion,  with  a  part  of  the  Second  Regiment,  all  under 
the  command  of  ilajor  Boone  ;  nd  Captain  January,  skirmished  with  the 
enemy  who  were  then  crossing  the  Bay  from  Brashear  City — at  a  little 
town  below  Bisland,  b\  the  name  of  Patersonville,  in  which  our  loss 
was  very  small.  (This  is  marked  "  0"  in  the  table  of  skirmishes,  and 
all  who  were  killed  or  wounded  there,  the  figure  '"  8"  is  set  opposite 
their  names).  On  the  night  of  the  9lh,  the  Brigade  under  Col.  Kiely 
was  brought  to  the  front,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  lllh,  the  Second 
Regiment  with  five  corapanys  of  the  Third,  were  deployed  as  skir- 
misheis  in  front  of  our  works  at  Bisland.  On  this  day  th  ■  encnny  made 
no  advances.  Gen.  Sibh^r  who  was  then  in  command  of  the  front,  be- 
ing desirous  offindiug  out,  if  possible,  the  enemy's  t,trengih,  ordered  a 
portion  of  the  Second  Regiment  which  was  on  our  right  wing,  under 
Captain  McCowen,  to  makead(!tour  on  the  enemy's  h'ft ;  penetrate  his 
lines,  and  if  possible,  find  his  strength.  In  the  execution  of  this  order, 
the  Captain  and  several  of  his  men  were  taken  prisoners.  Knowing 
that  it  would  not  go  well  with  them,  they  by  almost  superhuman  exer- 
tion*, mad*  their  e«c«pe  and  rejoined  their  command  Bhortly  aftorwardi. 


4(5  A  HISTORY  OF  THE 

On  the  morning  of  tliH  12th.  (ao  tMujiny  w*^re  n^ported  arlvancinfr.  The 
Si'criiicl  Louisiana  Cavalry  w<'iv  n-Iicved  by  the  First  Regiment,  nnder 
the  immcdiait?  command  of  Col.  Hit-ly.  ]  )c|)loyiiig  some  half  mile  bo- 
lore  lh»'  fortifications,  he  advanced  in  skirmish  liiie  some  distjincc — per- 
haMSone  half  mile  licforc  tlm  cHfiny'ssiiimiish  iiin'  was  met,  which  he 
engaj^ed  notwithstanding  the  great  superiority  of  their  numbers.  After 
causing  them  to  double  their  advance  line,  ho  withdrew,  apparently 
with  great  fright  and  cunlusion,  in  hopes  of  drawing  them  in  range  of 
our  guns,  but  in  this  he  was  disappointed.  The  enemy  instead  of  ad- 
vancing, retired.  Our  j)icket  line  was  advanced.  Company  "  B"  of 
tl»e  First  llegiment  under  Lieut.  Nis,  and  company  —  of  tiie  Second 
Regiment  were  sent  on  an  excursion,  similar  to  the  oiu?  on  which  Capt. 
McCowen  wa.-  on  the  previous  night,  with  some  little  dilieront  success; 
two  horses  were  killed — the  tables  will  show  the  killed  and  wounded. 
The  Third  Regiment,  nnder  Col.  liagby,  and  a  part  of  Waller's  Battal- 
ion, wore  sent  on  the  opposite  (East)  side  of  the  Bayou. 

THE  BATTLE  OP   BISLAND. 

On  the  morning  of  the  1 2th,  everything  sounded  and  appeared  dif- 
ferent to  what  it  had  on  the  previous  day.  The  enemy  were  in  force. 
Thoy  were  advancing  with  cavalry,  artillery  and  heavy  columns  of  in- 
fantry on  both  .sides  of  tlie  Bayou.  Our  skirmishers  lired  briskly  and 
fought  stubbornly,  yet  back  they  came,  faster  and  faster  the  cavalry 
dashed  by  our  long  line  of  infantry  skirmishers,  who  were  posted  some 
luiudred  yards  or  more  in  advance  of  our  breastworks.  Quickly  the 
quick  keen  crack  of  our  sharpshooters  then  that  of  skirmishers  rilles, 
told  all  secreted  behind  the  works  that  they  yet  advanced,  and  in  a 
moment  the  grave  yanl  sound  of  the  niinnie  bullets  as  they  Hew  hissing 
over  our  head,  re-assured  us  that  they  were  coming.  "  Here  they 
come,"  was  shouted  down  our  Hue  as  our  skirmishers  ca'me  running  in 
and  jumping  over  the  works  to  their  position  behind  them.  Then! 
then  !  but  a  moment  more  and  bang,  boom,  boom,  siundi-d  the  well  known 
thundering  voice  of  the  Brigades  idol — the  Val  Verde  Battery — on  our 
right.  And  as  if  l>y  magic,  the  Centre  and  left,  together  with  the  gun 
boat  "  Din.na,"  took  up  the  earth  quaking  noise,  echoed  anew  by  the 
volleys  of  musketry  which  deafened  the  ears  of  all.  "The  shock  of 
battle"  was  then  over,  'i'hiity-nine  pi(!C03  of  artillery  on  our  side 
opened  the  ball  at  half  past  1  o'clock,  P.  .M.  ;  four  thousand  musketssup- 
ported  the  music  front  l)eliiiid  our  breastworks.  Sixty-two  pieces  of 
artillery  on  the  part  of  the  U.  S.,  closed  the  uctiou  at  dark,  after  six- 
teen thousand  live  yaiikees  had  danced  to  our  music  for  two  and  a  half 
long  liours,  and  finely  Were  compelled  to  retreat  without  accomplishing 
any  thing,  lest  it  be  considircd  accomplishing  wonders  by  having  two 
hundred  of  their  hirelings  killed,  and  near  live  hiindri'd  wounded  ;  and 
then  didn't  half  try,  as  they  did  not  come  nigher  than  sixty  yards  of 
our  works.     Waller's  Kattulion  \<a8  on  the  right  wing    whon  the  en- 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE,  47 

gagement  began  ;  the  First  and  Second  Regiment  under  Ool.  Green 
were  dismounted  and  sent  up  the  vail  road  through  the  woods  and  weeds 
towards  tht?  enemy's  rear,  and  on  coming  opposite  their  batteries,  they 
could  go  no  further  on  account  of  the  water  in  the  swamp  which 
rendered  it  impassable  ;  returning  to  their  horses,  they  were  taken  to 
the  rear,  where  for  the  first  time  in  four  nights  they  were  perinited  to 
rest  undisturbed. 

With  daylight  of  the  morning  of  the  I3th,  camo  the  renewed  sound 
of  battle,  in  which  up  to  12  o'clock,  artillery  alone  was  used.  At  times 
the  tiring  was  so  brisk  (hat  one  could  scarcely  diseern  any  pause  what- 
ever. At  half  past  9  A.  M.,  the  gun  boat  "  Diana,"  was  struck  by  a 
sliell,  which  exploded  in  the  engineer's  room,  killing  the  engineer  and 
wounding  some  eightor  ten  more.  Her  guns  were  thus  silenced,  as 
her  valorous  Lieut.  Nettles,  was  compelled  to  withdraw  from  before  the 
enemy's  battery  of  four  32  pound  Parrot  guns.  At  10  P.  M.,  there  was 
a  pause  in  the  "  deadly  contlict."  The  enemy  seeing  our  position,  and 
knowing  of  their  utter  impossibility  to  carry  it  by  storm,  adopted  the 
following  flanking  programme.  Tilaj.  Gen.  Grover  with  9000  men  and 
two  field  batteries  was  sent  on  transports  up  the  Atchal'al.ij-a  to  Grand 
Lake,  thence  to  Indian  (or  Irish)  Bend  on  the  Teche>  three  miles  above 
the  town  of  Franklin,  which  when  reached,  would,  in  their  opinion, 
render  it  utterly  impossible  for  our  army  to  retreat  or  escape.  At  half 
past  10  A.  i\i.,  Ool.  Riely  received  orders  to  move  with  all  possible  haste 
with  the  First  Regiment  and  the  Second  Louisiana  Cavalry,  and  one 
section  of  the  St.  Marys'  Battery  to  meet  Grover  ;  then  advancing 
from  Grand  Lake,  which  order  he  obeyed,  making  a  distance  of  nine- 
teen miles  in  one  hour  and  twenty-five  minutes. 

BATTLE   OF  FRANKLIN. 

Never  will  we  forget  the  patriotic  display  made  by  the  noble  ladies 
of  Franklin  on  our  passing  through  their  town  at  full  speed,  bounding 
forward  to  meet  the  enemy,  then  within  a  few  miles  of  the  place,  and 
advancing  at  a  rapid  speed,  as  we  were  informed  every  few  moments 
by  the  arrival  of  a  new  courier,  "just  from  the  front.''  The  enemy 
were  met  three  miles  beyond  the  town  of  Franklin,  at  half  past  12  M., 
by  Captains  Crosson  and  Linn,  of  the  First  Regiment.  A  warm  skir- 
mish {So.  10)  ensued.  This  should  have  been  classed  as  a  battle.  At 
sundown  the  enemy's  artillery  was  brought  up.  Darkness  closed  the 
contest.  Our  little  army  bivouaced  on  the  tield.  From  below  at  Bis- 
land  yet  came  tho  rumbling  sound  of  our  big  guns,  ("old  IJooue,") 
which  plainly  told  us  that  all  was  not  quiet  there.  At  3  o'clock  on 
the  Lioruing  of  the  14th,  our  scoufa  reported  to  Col.  Riely  th  t  tho 
■enemy  were  crossing  the  bayou,  with  a  view  of  taking  possession  of 
the  Mew  Iberia  road.  The  long  roll  was  quickly  sounded,  and  in  & 
few  moments  we  were  on  the  march.  Daylight  found  us  dismounted 
and  in  battle  line.     As  our  artillery — one  section — came  up,  an  advanc* 


A  HISTOin   OF  THE 


wasfoundtnl,  wliidi  wns  made  firftt  through  an  open  field  some  three 
hundred  3anli5  wide,  then  tlir-Miich  a  tract  of  thickly  timbered  bottom 
for  a  (juajtrrof  a  mile  to  the  e(i<;i;  of  aiiotlnr  ti.lfi,  in  which  Grover 
and  his  nine  thoiisand  wi-w.  pusttd — al.-^o  in  line  of  battle.  As  we  :ip- 
proaclied  (he  fieM  our  battery  dashed  by  us  at  iull  t^peed,  and  in  u  few 
ino-nenis  it  was  in  position.  Tlion  again  the  dtadly  sound  and  chibh 
of  arms  broke  the  stillnesis  of  the  morn — 

"  Londi'f.  and  yet  more  loud.  I  lioar  the  alarms 
Of  biimiin  CPU'S  dihiinef,  und  cla»faiiig  arms." 

It  wa>  hut  a  few  moment.!  until  th.;  engaj^ement  became  general.     The 
Fii.<;t  Regiment,  <<'ninian<ie  !    by    Major   Hampton    and  C'.ipt.  C'rnssou, 
composed  the  right  and  criitrc,    while   the    Second  Louisiaun  Cavalry 
a  pait  of  t'le  "Yellow  Jacket"  Battalion  and  the  remnant  of  the  Eigh- 
teenth Louifiiana  Infantry,  composed   the   left   and    centre,  under  Cols. 
Viuct'nt  and  Gray,  Col.  iVu'ly    commanding    the  whole.     By   a   h.avy 
move  made  by  the  enemy  in  the  direction  uf  our  centre,  our  right  wing, 
under  Crosfton,  which  had  made  a  considerable  advance,  was  compelled 
to  fall  back  to  meet  it.     It  w.ui  as  this  move  was  made  that  Col,  James 
lliely  was  killed,  while  in    the  act    of  reconnoitring  the  enemy's  lines 
with  his  glass.     Tims    another   noble,  brave   and  generous  ollicer  was 
called  from  heuce.     llcquir.smL  in  pace.     Things    were  quickly  Thrown 
into  a  confused  state  on  learning   of   the  death  of  lliely.     Vincent  was 
wounded  ;   tlie,  ue.xt  in  command  was  hard  to  bo   found.     Shortly  after- 
w.-rds  Gen.  Moutou   arrived   on   tbo  field.     A    charge   on  the  t.'uemy's 
right  was  ordered,  and  promj)lly  executed  by  Col.  Gray  and  the  Eigh- 
teenth Louisiana  Infautry.     Our   right  being  rallied,  it  was  ordered  to 
charge,  which  it  <Ud  in  gallant  style,  driving  the   enemy  from  our  bat- 
tery, which  had    fallen    into    their    hands.     By    this  time  "old  Boone" 
could  be  heard,  but  a  short  distance   below   Franklin.     The  secret  was 
out — a  retr  at  was   ordered.     The   cavalry    portion    of  our  little  army 
were  ordert/d  to  "get  your  horsos  as  quick  as  h — 1  will  let  you,"  to  uso 
the  phrase   of  a  comma-Hling   olBcer,    the  ini'antry   guarding   our  rear 
wliib?  at  this.     Going  at  doultle  quick  for  better  than  a  mile,  we  reached 
our  horses  just  in  time  to  return  to  the    front   ami  meet  an  advance  of 
the  enemy,  which  il  it  liad  not    have  been    mot   just    at  the  moment  it 
Avas  would  havt!  resulted  in  bad  luck  to  us.      Holding  Dur  position  until 
the  infantry  had  made  good    their   escape,  our  line  broke  by  single  file 
from  the  right,  and    in    a  few    moinenis  "nary  a  rebel"  was  to  be  seen 
confronting  the  dastardly  cowards,  who   thouglit  but  a  short   time    be- 
fore that  they  had  "Dick    'laylor's   army    bagged."     As    we  came  into 
Franklin   we  met   Green,   with    the    Second,   'I'iiird    and  Waller's  Bat- 
talion, who  had  been  fighting   and    keeping  olf  the  enemy  from  our  ar- 
tillery, train  and  infantry,  jis  lliey  retreated  from  Bisland.     Tliey,   too, 
had  covered  themselves  with  immortal  glory.     Banks'  whoht  army  had 
confronted  them  for  nineteen  long   miles,  and  only  adv  .need  as  Green 
and  his  brave  bovn  would   allow   them.     Tha»   the  battlos  of  Bisland 


OLD  SIBLET  BRIGADE.  49 

tind  i^ranklin  \^ore  ended.  Thus  it  was  that  the  ''glorious  victo- 
ries in  Louisiana,"  of  which  we  heard  so  much  ado  about  in  the  North- 
urn  pross,  were  gained.  Thus  it  was  that  eight  hundred  of  the  Sibley 
Brigade,  which  they  swore  they  intended  to  "cage  and  take  up  North," 
Whipped  completely  and  drove  back  a  "cracked  army"  of  9000,  under 
a  "gallant"  General.  Nine  hundred  men  under  Green  engaged  and 
fought,  and  retreated  at  leisure  before  Banks*  "grand  army  of  Louis- 
iana," 38,000  strong. 

THE  RETREAT  FROM  BI3LAND, 

As  could  be  seen  by  the  preceding,  was  started  from  the  field  oA 
or  about  the  13th  or  14th  of  April.  Both  night  and  day  the  Brigade 
were  in  their  saddles.  Scarcely  a  moment  passed  by  that  guns  could 
not  be  heard,  and  scarcely  an  hour  but  what  the  enemy's  artillery  was 
t^nt^aged.  For  five  long  days  and  nights  our  saddles  were  not  removed 
from  our  horses.  What  sleeping  that  was  done  was  in  the  saddle  ; 
what  cooking  that  was  done  was  done  for  us  by  the  noble  and  patri- 
otic citizens,  and  what  eating  the  boys  did  was  doue  "on  the  go."  At 
Jeanneretts,  New  Iberia,  Vermilionville  and  Grand  Coteau,  battles 
were  fought,  notwithstanding  they  are  classed  as  skirmishes  in  my 
table  (Nos.  11,  12,  13  and  14).  The  Second  Regiment,  under  its  gal- 
lant and  valorous  old  Colonel,  Thos.  Green,  formed  the  centre  of  our 
battle  line,  while  the  First,  Third  and  Waller's  Battalion  operated  on 
each  fiank.  It  was  frequently  the  case  that  while  the  Second  was  en- 
gaged in  bloody  combat,  the  First,  Third  and  Waller's  were  driving  at 
full  speed  in  the  direction  of  the  enemy's  flanks  or  rear.  At  Opelousas 
we  had  a  breathing  spell.  Here  we  overtook  our  baggage  and  commis- 
sary train,  and  the  enemy  not  pushing  us  with  his  usual  ferocity,  we 
wnre  allowed  to  cook  once  more  for  ourselves.  Flour,  bacon  and  mo- 
lasses  was  issued.  Scarcely  had  we  completed  our  job  ere  "whoop> 
and  here  they  come  again."  Another  fight,  and  another  run.  At 
Washington,  by  softie  means  or  reasons  not  known  to  me,  the  Brigade 
was  divided.  The  train,  with  all  the  sick  and  dismounted,  took  the 
road  leading  to  Alexandria,  and  from  thence  to  Natchitoches.  Wal- 
ler's Battalion  also  took  this  road.  The  Brigade,  under  Green,  "filed 
to  the  left"  and  went  in  the  direction  of  Niblett's  Bluff,  at  which  place 
its  advance  arrived  some  time  in  the  first  of  May,  living  on  poor,  blue 
beef,  without  salt,  for  upwards  of  three  weeks.  After  lying  at  this 
place  for  nearly  two  weeks,  without  anything  to  cat  save  what  they 
could  find  in  the  piney  woods,  the  good  conirai^^saries  of  Magruder's 
district  had  the  kindness  to  send  us  a  car  load  of  provisions  to  the  re- 
lief of  Green's  men,  who  "ain't  worth  a  d — n  for  anything  else  but 
fighting."  I  was  not  along  at  this  time,  having  been  left  dangerously 
sick  at  Washington.  I  was  taken  a  prisoner  on  the  23d  of  April,  the 
day  on  which  the  enemy  took  possession  of  that  place.  I  hope  that  I 
»nay  not  be  considered  egotistic  in  speaking  of  myself  as  ''I,"  "me." 


.fit  A  HlS'i'ORT  OF  THE 

6lc.  Sans  pfpiH,  sonddt.  Consequently  I  sball  not  speak  of  mj  im- 
prisonment, or  of  my  ndventiircs  ere  I  was  roloas.fl,  under  pamlc,  at 
City  Point,  Va.,  on  the  6th  of  July,  18fi3.  and  from  there  back  to  my 
command  in  Louisiana,  by  way  of  my  father's  residence  in  Western 
Texas.  Suflice  it  to  say  that  I.  like  most  all  others  who  have  been  so 
unfortnnate  as  to  fall  into  th  '  enemy's  hands,  was  calumniated,  slan- 
dered, not  by  my  honorable  compauioha  in  arms,  but  by  a  home  insti- 
tution— (hi!  like  of  which  I  have  spoken  ot  before — who  never  has  nor 
never  will  smell  gninpowder  in  this  Avar,  unless  some  friend  should  hap- 
pen to  shoot  a  partridge  in  his  presence.  My  imprisonment  served  to 
teach  me  the  same  lesson  of  the  Yankees  that  Congressman  Ely  was 
taught  by  his  conflneinent  in  Richmond,  as  he  expressed  himselt  after 
his  release,  that  "we  arc  lighting  a  people  desperately  in  earnest," 
not  alone  on  our  subjugation,  but  also  on  the  overthrow  of  our  institu- 
tions, and  the  general  destruclion  of  our  country.  The  pa}'  of  a  Yan- 
kee mercenary  is  nothing  when  compared  to  the  prospects  ot  his  pil- 
laging and  plundering  one  Southern  citizen's  residence  of  its  plate  and 
jewelry.  "While  one  fights  for  T^nion.  two  fight  for  Greele^^'s  doctrine, 
and  three  for  booty  and  plunder;  'iMie  first  class  fight  for  concjuest, 
victory  and  glory.  After  talking  some  time  with  Gen.  Banks,  he  ad- 
hiitted  the  prospects  of  our  ultimately  accomplishing  the  end  for  which 
we  fought;  but,  says  he,  "we  will  overrun  and  destroy  r.o  little  of  your 
country  before  that  day  comes  for  you."  Such,  indeed,  has  been  char- 
acteristic of  his  policy  irl  his  iiivasions  through  Louisiana.  The  war 
spirit  in  the  North  is  kept  Up  chiefly  by  their  lying  press,  and  by  their 
authorities  not  allowing  papers  to  be  circulated  in  the  army.  But  to 
the  Brigade. 

On  the  18th  of  i[ny  tlie  Brigade  left  Niblett's  BlnfF.  again  for  the 
scene  of  action.  On  the  20th  the  retreating  army  of  the  enemy  wa3 
overtaken  near  New  Iberia.  A  short  bitt  spirited  skirmish  ensued, 
followed  by  a  long  run,  both  aiming  to  reach  Franklin,  which  place 
Gen.  Weitzel  reached  first,  and  thus  saved  his  army  and  booty.  It  is 
said  that  if  Green's  plan  had  been  heeded,  that  the  entire  outfit  would 
have  fallen  an  easy  prey  to  the  Brigade.  The  enemy  were  chased  to 
the  Bay,  where,  under  the  protection  of  their  gunboats,  they  were  safe. 
Thus  ends  the  Spring  campaign  of  Louisiana  in  1863.  For  its  fruits 
we  have  but  exp»'rience  with  which  to  guide  our  future  course.  For 
the  defeat  at  Bisland,  (as  many  have  been  pleased  to  call  it,)  no  one 
was  particularly  accountable.  Gen.  Ta3'loi-  could  not  have  done  more 
than  was  done  with  the  forces  he  had  ;  yet  it  is  thought  that  had  Gen. 
Sibley's  policy  been  carried  out,  the  result  would  have  been  vastly 
dilTerent.  IIo  wjvs  opposed  to  fortifying  lower  down  on  the  Teche  than 
New  Iberia.  In  this  ho  v.-as  overruled  both  by  f!en.  Taylor  and  pub- 
lic opinion.  On  the  retreat  Gen.  Taylor  placed  Gen.  Mouton,  a  junior 
officer,  in  comiuand,  over  G  mi.  Sil)ley,  and  ordered  Gen.  Sibley  to  takei 
command  of  the  train.  Why,  none  knew.  Gen.  Sibley  was  after- 
^ardij  mad'j  to  bear,  il^  possible,  all  the   blame  of   the  unavoid'ible  ca- 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  «^ 

iaraity.  "Big  fish  eat  little  fish,"  &c.  Sibley  was  placed  under  ar- 
rest, a  court  of  inquiry  was  called,  and  he  was  honorably  acquitted  ; 
yet  he  was  not  restored  to  a  command,  greatly  to  the  dislike  of  both 
citizens  and  soldiers  generally.  And  now  that  our  history  parts  with 
the  one  from  whom  it  and  the  Brigade  takes  their  name,  in  bidding 
Gen.  Sibley  an  adieu,  we  do  so  under  the  full  conviction  that  we  have 
parted  with  a  high  minded,  noble,  valorous  and  gifted  officer,  endowed 
with  a  principle  too  lofty  and  honorable  to  deign  to  any  acts  calculated 
to  wrong  any  one,  let  him  be  whom  he  may.  But  now  to  our  Brigade, 
under  (Jreen,  (by  whoe^e  name  it  will  be  known  from  this  forward,)  for 
a  season  of  campaigning  throughout  Louisiana. 

Returning  from  the  Bay — where  we  last  left  them — the  Brigade 
was  camped  some  four  miles  above  the  old  Bisland  battle  field,  where 
it  reraai  ned  for  some  few  weeks,  making  preparations  for  an  onward 
move  in  some  direction,  known  to  none  save  Gen.  Green  and  those 
over  him.  By  night  and  by  day  the  work  of  collecting  together  and 
making  small  boats  went  bravely  on.  For  what  purpose  this  collecting 
such  a  number  of  boats  and  skifi's  and  the  like  none  knew,  and  no  one 
seemed  to  be  very  inquisitive  about  it,  all  apparently  being  satisfied 
that  Green  knew  what  it  was  f«»r.  In  the  meantime  Gen.  Mouton,  com- 
mandant of  the  force#* south  of  Red  river,  arrived  and  assumed  com- 
mand. Active  operations  could  now  justly  be  expected,  I  can  giv« 
no  better  account  of — 

THE  CAPTURE  OF  BRASHEAR  CITY, 

Than  to  give  Gen.  Green's  Officialreportofthebrilliantaffairwhic.il 
is  herewith  given  verhaiim  ct  literatim,  as  also  Mr.  Howell's  discrip- 
tion  of  the  "  Mosquito  Fleet."  Mr.  H.  appears  to  have  a  natural  weak- 
ness to  join  in  any  and  all  water  expiditions  and  "  forlorn  hopes,"  A« 
it  will  be  remembered  I  was  a  prisoner  at  this  time  in  New  (^^rleans. — 
For  a  long  time  the  "  Era"  and  other  Yankee  tools  in  that  city,  in  vain 
tried  to  deny  the  fact  that  Brashear  City  "  had  gone  up.'" 

On  the  night  of  the  2Stb,  when  the  news  was  positively  confirmed 
in  our  prison  by  the  arrival  of  a  iew  prisoners  belonging  to  Pyron's 
Regiment,  one  continuous  and  prolonged  shouting  might  have  been 
heard  even  across  the  river.  We  became  so  boisterous  and  noisy,  that 
the  26th  Mass.,  who  weit^  guarding  us,  was  compelled  to  call  for  rein- 
forcements. On  the  30th,  fearing  that  Green,  Taylor  &  Co.,  might 
move  to  our  aucistance  and  relief,  they  boxed  us  up  in  tlie  hold  of  the 
Bteamcr  (Jatwaba,  and  consigned  us  to  the  care  of  l^ntler.  at  Fortress 
^Monroe,  who  labled  us  "  prisoners,  with  care,"  and  delivered  ns  at  City 
Point,  Va.,  on  the  6th  of  July,  under  Parole. 

HEADQUARTI' RS,  FIRST  CAVALRY  BRIGADE,  ( 
0.\'  THK  Lafoukche,  La.,  2Gth  of  Jlnis,  18G3,      ) 
Gkveral  : — Early  in  this   month  I  was  ordered   by  you   to  the  lower 
'.f  eche  for  the  purpose  "f  reconnoitring  thf  * ne my  at  Brashwar  City,  au(j 


5»  A  HISTORY  OF  THE 

to  collect  together  nrnl  fit  up  light  boats  preparatory  to  making  a  descent 
upon  tho  enemy  if"  practicable. 

While  engaged  in  tho  execution  of  these  orders,  you  came  down  and 
assumed  command,  orderinfi^  mo  to  advance  towards  the  Bay.  On  the 
night  of  the  2Sd  inst.,  in  accordance  with  orders,  I  moved  to  Cochran's 
sugar  house,  (two  miles  distant  from  the  Bay),  with  the  5th  Texas  Cav- 
alry, 2d  La.  Cavalry,  and  Waller's  Battalion  and  the  Val  Verde  Bat- 
tery and  a  section  of  Nichol's  Light  Battery.  Leaving  the  horses  at 
th^t  ])laco,  I  advanced  the  trocips — above  mentioned — on  foot  before 
daylight,  to  the  village  of  Berwick,  opposite  the  enemy's  encampment. 
At  tho  dawn  of  day,  finding  tlio  enemy  quiet  and  asleep,  I  opened  fire 
upon  them  from  the  Val  Verde  Battery,  the  first  shot  exploding  in  the 
centre  of  his  encampment,  causing  the  greatest  ponfasion,  the  distance 
being  only  about  900  yards.  We  fired  forty  or  fifty  shots  from  our 
Batteries  before  the  enemy  replied  at  all.  The  first  shot  fired  by  the 
enemy  was  from  his  gun  boat,  which  was  at  anchor  in  the  Bay,  a  short 
distance  below  our  position.  After  daylight  the  gun  boat  advanced 
towards  us,  as  if  to  contest  with  our  Batteries — the  position  we  occu- 
pied on  the  water's  edge.  But  a  few  well  directed  shots  from  the  Val 
Verde  Battery  drove  the  bout  back  a  mile  below,  when  she  opened  upon 
us.  The  shot  of  the  enemy  was  so  well  directecl4hat  we  found  it  nec- 
essary, several  times  t(j  shift  the  position  of  our  guns  and  caisson.  The 
heavy  gun  on  shore  which  first  opened  fire  upon  us  from  the  principal 
Fort  above  Brashear,  with  the  garrison  of  that  Fort,  was  brought  down 
nearly  opposite  my  position,  and  opened  fire  upon  me.  With  tho  run- 
ning of  the  gun  boat  and  throwing  out  this  heavy  gun,  most  of  the  gar- 
rison of  Fort    Buchanan    left  the above  — —  to  the    approach  of 

Maj.  Hunteri'  command,  in  our  little  flotilla  to  Segras  Island. 

5Lijor  Hunter  who  had  moved  from  the  mouth  of  the  Teche  during 
the  night  of  the  22d,  on  board  our  Mosquitto  fleet,  landed  unperceived 
and  unsuspecting  to  the  enemy  above  the  defences,  and  making  his  way 
through  the  swamp,  about  7  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  23d,  attack- 
ed the  enemy  in  his  r«ar,  while  I  was  occupying  him  in  front — com- 
pletely surprising  him  and  routing  him.  Tho  enemy  surrendered  their 
defences  and  the  town  of  Brashear  about  7i  o'clock  on  the  morning  of 
the  2.3d.  Major  Hunter's  couunand  consisted  of  about  three  hundred 
men  from  Baylor's,  the  5th  Texas  Cavalry  and  Waller's  Battalion  and 
the  2d  La.,  (picked  men),  After  crossing  a  part  of  the  troops,  I  was 
ordered  to  pursue  the  enemy  to  the  Boouf.  During  the  evening  of  the 
same  day  1  had  an  animated  skirmish  with  him  at  the  Ramos,  where 
he  had  burned  both  the  railroad  and  all  the  public  bridges,  and  was 
well  fortified  ;  but  finding  that  1  had  flanked  him  with  a  portion  of  my 
command,  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Ba^uf,  he  quickly  retreated.  I  threw 
a  small  detachment  over  the  Romas  on  tho  night  of  the  23d,  and  moved 
them  as  close  as  possible  on  the  enemy,  then  on  the  Banif.  ('okn^l 
Major's  command  being  behind  the  enemy,  and  it  being  dilliculL  foi  Ir.m 
to  ,"sc*pe,  about  four  hundred  strong  surrendered  abopt  daylight  ou  the 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADj:.  63 

jnornipg  of  the  24tli,  Our  troops  during  the  three  days  campaign  did 
their  duty  on  all  oceasions.  The  result  ef  this  brilliant  aflfair  of  arms'" 
is  very  great.  Besides  the  killed  and  wounded  of  the  enemy,  and  eigh- 
teen hundred  and  odd  yankee  prisoners,  and  two  or  three  thousand  ne- 
groes— which  they  had  stolen — and  three  millions  of  dollars  worth  of 
Commissary  stores  and  Quartermaster's  stores;  we  havtue-captured  one 
of  the  most  important  positions  on  our  seaboard,  which  commands  the 
Kew  Orleans  and  Oi)olousas  railroad,  and  our  brilliant  success  has 
greatly  demoralized  the  enemy. 

I  am.  General,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

THOMAS  GREEN, 
To  Qen.  Alp.  Mouton.  Brig.  Gen.  Oomd'g. 

THE   MOSQUITO   FLEET. 

Termed  so  by  the  members  of  the  "forlorn  hope,"  or  those  who 
were  engaged  in  the  s'^orming  of  Brashear  City.  It  may  he  necessary 
to  explain  what  vegsels  constituted  this  fleet.  They  were  the  "Tom 
Green"  and  fifty-two  others,  which  either  had  no  name,  or  if  they  did, 
I  don't  remember  them.  The  fleet  consisted  of  53  skiffs,  bateaux,  dug- 
outs, flats,  &c.,  collected  along  the  banks  of  the  different  bayous.  This 
work  occupied  several  days,  and  all,  from  the  "powers  that  be"  down 
to  the  private,  were  engaged  in  endeavoring  to  find  the  meaning  of 
such  preparations.  Oar  boys  had  fought  on  land  and  on  the  cotton 
clad  boats  Bayou  City  and  Neptune,  but  when  it  was  suggested  by 
some  one  that  they  must  now  fight  from  on  little  frail  barks  like  those, 
the  idea  was  considered  absurd.  But  we  were  not  to  be  kept  in  anx- 
ious suspense  many  days,  for  on  the  evening  of  June  21st,  1863,  por-; 
tions  of  Baylor's  (Tex.  Cav.)  Regiment,  Waller's  Battalion,  Second  La, 
Cavalry,  and  Clough's  company  (C)  of  the  Fifth  Texas  Cavalry,  num- 
bering in  all  about  300  men,  were  ordered  to  provide  three  days  rat 
tions  of  flour  and  bacon,  (sure  sign  of  a  tight  in  our  Brigade  to  this 
day,)  and  with  good  arms,  40  rounds  of  cartridges  and  one  blanket  to 
the  man.  report,  on  foot,  to  Major  S.  Hunter,  of  Baylor's  Regiment, 
near  the  junction  of  the  Teche  and  the  Atchafalaya. 

We  now  were  led  to  believe  there  was  fun  ahead,  though  having  no 
correct  idea  of  where  we  were  going,  how  long  we  were  going  to  stay, 
or  when  we  would  return.  Arriving  at  the  Major's  headquarters,  (in 
the  rain,)  we  were  ordered  to  take  shelter  in  an  old  barn  close  by,  and 
await  the  arrival  of  other  vessels — those  on  hand  not  being  sufficient  ta 
transport  the  entire  crew.  Wo  remained  h  re  until  the  evening  of  the 
22d,  when  about  sunset  we  got  aboard,  and  with  cheers  shoved  off, 
Jeavingthe  bank  <  rowded  with  friends  (of  the  armj)  who  had  come  to 
sec  us  take  our  departure  from  terra  firma.  Truly  it  was  a  novel 
pcwne.  Fifty-three  skiffs,  dtc,  all  crowded  and  loaded  down  to  "the 
guards,"  and  marching  first  by  twos  and  then  promiscuously  down  the 
beautiful  Teche  to  the  junction,  thence  up  the  Atchafalaya  into  and 


*4  A  HISTORY  OF  THE 

across  Grand  Lake,  thenco   tliroupl)  passes  in  tho  timber  and  OTer  two 
or  tlircc,  other  lakes,  (the  names  ot  which  I  have  long  since  forgotten,) 
and  while  near  the  centre  of  one  ot    these,  lights  suddenly  appeared  in 
the  distance  on  the  water,  and  in  a  moment  all  was  silent  as  death.  Tho 
fiulilla  was  halted,  so  that  even   the  oars — uiufHed  with  moss — could 
make  no  noise.     Soon,  however,  but  when  all  wen?  in  constant  expec- 
tation of  being  sent  to  "Davy  .Jones'  locker"  by  a  broadside  ol  grape  or 
other  weapons  of  gunboat    warfare,   a  signal    was  given  which  assured 
ns'that  it  was  the  lights  of  our   transports  en  route  to  the   Hay,  instead 
of  Yankee  gunboats,  and  we  again  moved  olf  for  Flat   Lake,  the  water 
of  which   was   «o   shallow    that    tho   boats   frequently  touch. 'd  bottom. 
'1  he  boys  had  by  this  time  become  weary  of  rowing,  though  the  occu- 
pants of  each  boat  took  it  by  n-liefs.     Tke  "Tom  Green"  was  tho  lar- 
gest of  the  fleet,  and  carried   fifteen  of   us.     She  had  double  oars,  and 
with  three  reliefs  of  four  men  each,  and   a  steersman  for  each  rtdief,  it 
will  be  seen  that  every  man  did  his  duty.     Tho   labor   of  some  of  tho 
crews  of  the  smaller  craft   was  much    heavier.     I   remember  seeing  fre- 
quently during  the  voyage  two  of  Waller's  Battalion,  who  embarked  in 
a  dug-out,  and  cousequ-ntly  were  compelled  to  pujl  at  tho  oars  all  the 
while,  and  when  out   of  sight  of   land   and   the  wind  rather  high,  they 
Were  often  asked  "when  the  nest  relief  camo  on  V     liut  there  was  uo 
relief  for  those  two  until   land   was   reached.     The   night   being  very 
dark  and  the  boats,  on  account  of  the  wind,  being  dillicult  to  control, 
and  especially  as  our  boys  knew  little  of  naval  atiairs,  a   portion  of  the 
fleet  with  nearly  100  mm  were  lost  and  did    not    arrive  in  time  to  par- 
ticipate in  tho  storming  of  the  city,  of  which  1  shall  now  speak. 

At  daybreak  on  the  morning  of  June  2'3d,  we  landed  on  the  eastern 
shore  of  Flat  Lake,  dried  gun  tubes,  loaded  pieces,  and  set  off  for  sceuo 
of  action    by   single    file,  tlirough    mud,    water  and    the  tall  palmetto. 
Reader,  you  have  perhaps  iieou  amused,  and  at  a  time  when  you  were 
conscious  of  no  danger,  but  could   you   have  seen  thi'  crew  of  the  Mos- 
quito Fleet  wading  through   that   mud   and  Pahnotto,  and  though  the 
artillery  of  Green   and   Yankeedom   were    exchanging  very  warm,  aa 
Well  as  very   loud   compliments    across  the    Bay,  and  every  discharge 
distinctly  heard  by  us  ;  and  could  you  have  heard  the  many  remarks — 
droll,  witty  and   amusing — you   could    not   possibly  have  repressed  a 
smile  at  least,  though  you  kn  !W  you  ^vere  fast  approaching thous- 
and Y'ankee  bayonets,  fortilications,   artillery,  &c  ,  and  that   you  were 
now  entirely  separated  from   friends    by   water.     After  marching  foqr 
milos  in  that  swamp,  we   suddenly    emtsrged    from  it  into  a  large  field, 
where  we  came  "front  into  line"  in  full  view  of  the  city  and  the  boom- 
ing cannon.     Here  we  threw  down  blankets,  provisions  and  every  en- 
cumbrance.    Major  Hunter  then,  in  a    few  brief   remarks,  reminded  us 
of  our  condition,  and  that  we  mu.st  now  either  storm  tho  place  and  tako 
it,  or  all  surrendtjr  to  the  Yankee  commandant  of  post.     Wo  then  moved 
forwaid,  in  lino,  in  direction  of  the   main   tort  some  distance,  when  it 
WM8  determined  to  change  tho  plan  of  attack.     Capt.  Clough,  with  hi§ 


OLD  SJBLET  BSIGADK.  55 

company,  was  ordered  to  move  against  the  heavy  siege  battery,  near 
the  Raihoad  depot,  with  detachments  of  Waller's  Battalion  and  Second 
Louisiana  for  support ;  while  JMajor  H.,  with  remainder  of  force,  moved 
against  the  fort.  So  closely  was  the  enemy  watching  Green's  move- 
ments across  the  Bay,  and  not  dreaming  of  an  attack  in  rear,  that 
Clough's  column  approached  within  300  yards  of  the  encampment  with- 
out being  suspected  as  rebels.  Just  at  this  time  a  captain  of  artillery 
came  down  the  lines,  (Yankee,)  and  supposing  txs  to  be  the  railroad 
hands  coming  in  to  assist  in  the  defence  of  the  place,  he  pulled  off  hia 
bat  and  beckoned  us  on.  Some  of  the  company  supposing  this  to  be 
a  challenge  to  "come  if  you  dare,"  and  though  orders  were  expressly 
given  "not  to  fire  until  you  get  among  them,"  fired  at  the  gentlemen, 
killing  his  horse,  and  with  one  accord  all  with  a  terrific  yell  set  for- 
ward in  a  run,  and  soon  were  among  the  tents,  capturing  all  the  sick 
and  those  who  had  not  yet  completed  their  toilet.  The  men  on  the 
look-out  came  tumbling  down,  and  the  batteries  ceased  firing  on  Green. 
But  about  200  "blue  coats"  concentrated  along  the  track  and  behind 
the  cars,  and  for  a  time  halted  the  company.  Soon,  however,  Wallm-'s 
and  the  Second  La.  detachments  came  up,  and  wilh  one  more  yell  and 
charge  the  day  was  ours.  Major  Hunter's  column  capturing  the  fort 
without  any  resistance,  and  the  garrison  of  the  entire  post  fell  into  our 
hands,  with  the  exception  of  the  Colonel  commanding  and  a  few  officers 
who  escaped  on  a  gunboat.  The  supplies  of  quartermaster,  commiB- 
eary  and  ordnance  stores  captured  were  immense,  besides  2  locomo- 
tives, 80  cars,  1800  prisoners,  12  siege  pieces,  many  small  arms,  and, 
as  Gen.  Banks  expressed  it,  "obtained  possession  of  the  key  (Berwick's 
Bay)  to  Louisiana  and  Texas."  Our  (forlorn  hope)  loss  was  three 
killed  and  twenty-one  wounded.  For  detailed  account  of  Gen.  Green's 
operations  across  the  Bay,  during  the  action,  I  can  with  much  pleasure 
refer  the  reader  to  his  official  report  of  the  brilliant  aflair. 

On  the  2Gth  Green  received  orders  to  move  on  Thibodeauxville, 
which  order  was  executed  that  day  and  night  by  making  an  almost  un- 
precedented march.  No  enemy  was  found  at  this  place.  Gen.  Mou- 
ton  arrived  that  evening.  Gen.  Green  was  ordered  to  send  one  regi- 
ment of  his  Division  to  Raceland,  on  the  Lafourche,  and  witli  the  bal- 
ance of  his  cavalry  proceed  without  delay  to  Donaldsonvilie,  on  the 
Mississippi  river,  and  take  poss«3S.sion  of  the  Federal  fort  at  that  place. 
Waller's  Battalion  was  sent  to  liaceland.  Gen.  Green,  with  the  Divis- 
ion, (his  and  Col.  Majors'  Brigades.)  took  up  the  lin(!  of  march  at  half- 
past  7  o'clock  p.  M.  After  njarching  the  entire  night  they  were  en- 
camped iu  nine  miles  of  the  fort  (Fort  Butler)  about  sunrise  the  next 
morning.  Luring  the  27lh  the  jaded  troops  and  horses  were  restedj 
and  all  the  information  which  coull  be  procured  in  relation  to  the  situ-i 
ation  of  the  fort  and  its  defences  was  being  collected.  A  pontooii 
bridge,  made  of  sugar  coolers,  was  placed  in  the  Lafourche,  and  Stone's 
Regiment  was  crossed  over  to  th«  east  side  of  the  bayou,  with  orders 
to  advance  on  that  side  torarils  Donildsonville.     During  the  night  of 


«6  A  IIISTOKY  OF  THE 

the  27tb  thf  cdtnmand  was  ndvanccd  to  within  one  mile  an^  n  half  of 
the  fort,  wh<*n  it  av.os  dismounted,  Gen.  Green  having  determined  apou 
the  j)lan  of  •  Hsanit; 

"I  called,"  says  he,  in  his  dfficial  report,  "the  officers  commanding 
regiments  together,  Jind  explained  to  them  sj)ecifically  the  position  each 
one  was  to  occupy  in  the  assault.  Mj^nr  Shrninnn.  with  the  Fifth  T. 
M.  v.,  (Second  Regiment,)  was  to  perform  a  circuit  around  the  fort, 
reach  the  Mississippi  a  mile  above,  and  advance  dewn  to  the  stockade 
bf  upright  timbers  set  in  the  ground  from  the  water's  edge  to  the  line, 
and  there  make  an  entrance. 

"Col.  Hardeman,  with  the  Fourth  T.  M.  V.,  (First  Regimeat,)  was 
to  move  up  the  road,  up  the  line  of  the  Lafourche,  and  simultaneously 
with  Shannon  to  make  an    entrance    through   the  stockade' and  assault 

the  garrison  within  the  fort. 

•  •••••• 

"Both  Shannon  and  Hardeman  were  charged  that  they  were  ex- 
pected to  take  the  fort,  Avhik*  Phillips,  Lane  and  Herbert,  with  their 
regiments,  were  to  envtdop  the  works,  moving  up  around  them  to  the 
brink  of  the  ditch,  and  shooting  down  the  cannoniers  and  the  sup- 
porters of  the  same  behind  the  ramparts  at  the  distance  of  16  or  17 
feet.  After  a  full  explanation  the  commanding  officers  of  regiments  of 
the  plan  ot  attack,  and  i'urnishing  Shannon  an<l  Hardeman  with  guides, 
and  the  head  of  the  column  of  the  three  regiments  which  were  to  sur- 
round and  advance  u])on  the  outer  ditch,  1  moved  Siiannon  and  Harde- 
man forward,  waiting  a  short  time  for  Shannon  to  perform  the  circuit 
around  the  fort  to  the  Mississippi,  I  moTed  the  column  which  was  to 
envelop  the  ditch,  with  Uol.  Majoi-  at  the  head.  Before  this  column 
had  advanced  to  the  place  intended  for  it  preparatory  to  the  assault, 
Major  Shannon,  of  the  Fifth  Texas,  encountered  the  pickets  of  the  ene- 
my, and  a  fire  from  above  was  poured  upon  him  by  the  artillery  of  the 
fort  and  from  the  two  gunboats  in  the  river.  He  advanced  down  the 
line  of  the  Mississippi  next  to  the  water's  edge  to  the  stockade  of  up- 
right timbers  between  the  line  and  the  edge  of  the  water,  driving  the 
enemy  from  the  st(»ckade  and  using  tlu'ir  own  port-holes.  He  poshed 
a  part  of  his  regiment  ovt-r  their  worksi  climbing,  with  the  assistancd 
of  tiieir  cfiMiraflfs,  tht*  stockaile;  the  balanc<>  of  his  regiment  moved 
around  tlie  stockach-,  through  the  water-^— which  Was  not  deep — into  the 
foo-t. 

"Hearing  the  small  arms  of  Maj.  Shannon,  I  ordered  an  advance  of 
the  whole  lin<!.  Col.  riiillips,  at  the  head  of  the  column  under  Col. 
Major,  made  a  circuit  of  the  fort,  and  with  the  most  of  his  men  and  of- 
ficerfl  made  an  entrance  into  (he  fort  with  Major  Shannon  of  the  Fifth. 
Col.  Herbert,  with  tlie  Seventh  Regiment,  enveloped  the  ditch,  as  di- 
rected. 

"  rhe  fight  wai  despemtely  contested  on  every  pari  of  the  ground. 
Col.  Hardeman  being  unable  to  control  his  guide,  was  delayed  in  hi« 
<ittack  on  thw  stockade;  on  the  Jjafourclift  side  until  nearly  daylight,  but 


OLD  SIBLET,  J3RIGADi:.  4^ 

Ills  cabuaUies  show  Avith  Avhat  deterimiued  courage  that  vetorau  rojri- 
ment  stood  its  ground  after  it  came  iuto  aclion.  ,, 

"By  some  mistake,  Col.  Lane's  regiment  did  not  get  into  action. 
lie  was  expecting  and  awaiting  a  guide,  wliicli  I  supposed  and  was  in- 
formed, that  he  was  at  the  head  of  the  column  under  Col.  Major.  Ther<i 
is  no  blame  attached  to  Col.  Lane  for  the  mistake. 

''The  attack  on  the  fort  was  made  at  2  o'clock  A.  ni.,  "being  before 
daylight,  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the  gunboats  from  seeing  our  ad- 
vance. 

"The  column  of  attack  of  Shannon  above  and  Hardeman  below 
were  expected  to  move  along  under  the  levees,  sheltered  from  the  fire  of 
the  fort,  until  they  reached  the  stockade — the  weeds  on  tlie  margin  of 
the  water  preventing  a  full  view  of  them  to  the  boats.  Shannon  suc- 
ceeded in  making  th(^  entrance  with  little  or  no  loss  up  to  that  time, 
and  he  and  Col.  Phillips  would  doubtless  have  succeeded  in  capturing 
the  works,  had  it  not  been  for  the  entrance  of  a  ditch  fronting  and  in- 
side of  the  levee,  of  which  I  had  uo  knowledge  or  information.  All  my 
guides,  and  some  of  them  resided  within  two  miles  of  the  fort,  assured 
me  that  when  we  got  through  the  stockades,  between  the  river  and  the 
levee,  that  we  had  an  open  way  iuto  the  fort,  without  impediments, 
other  than  the  bayonets  of  the  enemy.  We  were  not  repulsed,  and 
never  would  have  been,  until  we  found  after  getting  into  the  stockade 
ther»  was  yet  a  ditch  to  cross  running  in  front  of  and  parallel  with  the 
river,  and  uo  means  whatever  at  hand  to  cross  it.  At  this  ditch  a  des- , 
perate  fight  ensued  between  the  commands  of  Shannon  and  Phillips  and 
the  enemy.  Our  men  commenced  using  brick-bats  upon  the  heads  of 
the  enemy,  avjJio  returned  the  same.  Many  of  our  men  were  wounded 
upon  their  heads,  as  well  as  many  of  the  enemy  after  their  guns  had 
been  emptied. 

"There  never  was  more  desperation  displayed  than  was  shown  by 
our  men  engaged  in  this  assault. 

"But  for  the  false  information  in  relation  to  the' fort  fronting  to  the 
river,  1  think  it  would  have  most  certainly  fallen  into  our  hand^^.     W« 
fought  from  2  A.  M.  until  daylight  without  intermission,  and   our  deac^  V ^ 
and  wounded  will  show  the  desperation  of  the  assault.  ^^ 

"Respectfully  .submitted, 

"THOS.  GREEN, 

"  Bri^*.  Gen,  Commandini;. 
The  table  of  battles  will  show  the  number  of  our  killed  and  wound 
ed,  while  the  names  of  the  noble  dead  and  gallant  wounded  will  appear 
under  the  proper  headings  in  the  appendix.  Our  boy?,  although  cut  to 
pieces  and  badly  demoralized  on  the  memorable  morning  of'  iJie  28th, 
were  soon  a^^1in  at  their  post  and  ready  for  another  onward  move,  even, 
if  necessary,  on  the  fort  again  ;  yet,  as  could  well  be  expected,  they 
had  preferences.  For  tliis  dieastHV  many  (not  of  the  army)  were  wont 
to  accuse   and  hold   Gen.  Gre«u    accoimlabi*'.     ITe    wa«   under  oril^r^ 


F^ 


5S  A  HISTORY  OF  THi: 

from  Gen.  Mouton,  who  was  iindoubtcdlj  laboring  under  false  impres- 
sions as  to  the  strength  and  condition  of  tho  fort.  Although  a  man  of 
prc^at  st'lf-will  and  determination  to  do  a.s  lie  alono  thought  best,  yet 
thip  valorous  officer  should  not  bo  made  to  bear  tho  blame  duo  justly 
onlv  to  the  lying  traitors  who  gave  him  tho  false  information. 

The  folloM'ing  address  was  issued  by  Gen.  Green  on  tho  30th  of 
June,  tho  first  one  ever  made  by  him  1o  the  Brigade  o- command  under 
him.  True  to  the  noble  nature  nhich  dictated  this  address.  Green 
quickly  became  the  ideal  of  not  alone  his  own  brigade,  but  the  entiru 
armv.  Especially  was  this  the  case  when  he  had  anytliing  in  the 
least  to  do  with  them.  Tho  address  is  characteristic  of  Gen.  Green, 
and  tallies  well  with  his  "general  orders,"  which  were  always  short  and 
to  the  point.  His  "general  orders"  were  few,  but  when  they  came, 
like  a  two-edged  sword,  they  cut  both  ways,  and  were  nlw.-iys  obeyed 
without  a  murmur  on  the  part  of  the  men  under  him. 

HEADQUARlliKS    FlRST    C-WALRY    BrIOADE,  ^ 

Camp"  on  Bayou  Lafourche,  La.,  June  30,  18G3.  ) 
Fellow  Soldiers  : 

Your  gallant  conduct  on  the  morning  of  the  2Sth  instant,  in  the 
terrible  assault  on  Fort  Butler,  near  Donaldsonville,  although  not  suc- 
cessful in  its  capture,  meets  tho  highest  commendation  of  your  com- 
m.anding  ofiicer  and  your  countrymen.  Yuu  did  eveiything  that  gal- 
lantry and  daring  cuuld  do  ;  and,  it  not  successful,  you  have  shown  to 
our  enemies  an  example  of  daring  which  will  terrify  them  when  we 
meet  them  on  the  open  field. 

While  w«  mourn  the  lo.-s  of  our  noble  dead,  let  us  jirepare  to  avenge 
them  iu  the  next  approaching  conilict,  which  is  uo  doubt  close  at 
hand. 

Your  fellow  loldier, 

THOS.  GREEN, 

Brig.  Gen.  Commanding. 
To  tho  Second  Regiment,  which  it  must  bo  remembered  was  his 
old  regiment,  the  General  issued  the  following — 
CIRCULAR. 
Fellow  Soldiers  of  the  Fifth  Texas   Cavalry — Your  dauntless   and 
lieroic  courage  and  conduct  in  tlie  desperate  assault  on  Fort  Butler,  on 
the  morning  of  tho   28th   of  June,  is  beyond  all   praise  and  commen- 
dation. 

No  language  that  can  be  used  by  me  can  express  the  obligations  I 
feel  toward  your  noble  regiment  for  its  heroic  gallantry,  or  my  deep 
Borrow  for  your  noble  dead.  You  have  again — though  repulsed — won 
laurels  Avliich  but  few  soldiers  have  ever  won. 

Your  gallant  deeds  will  long  be  remembered  by  your  fellow  coun- 
trymen, and  by  none  longer  than 

Your  old  Colonel, 

TOM  GREEN, 
Brig.  Gen.  Commanding  First  Car.  Bng. 


®LD  SIBLET  BRltAlE.  59 

Aft«r  llie  assault  on  Fort  Butler  the  command  was  withdrawn  and 
camped  for  a  few  days  some  uine  miles  above  on  the  Lafourche,  where 
I  will  now  leave  them  and  proceed  to  Yankeedom,  and  see  what  thej 
are  up  to. 

As  the  world  already  w»ll  knows,  Port  Hudson  fell  on  the  9th  of 
July.  This,  however,  was  not  known  as  a  certainty  to  our  command 
for  several  days  afterwards.  Our  troops  were  menacing  New  Orleans  ; 
boats  were  being  collected  to  form  another  flotilla  to  operate  against 
that  city.  Of  this  Gen.  Banks  became  apprized.  On  the  morning  of 
the  10th  ho  dispatched  Gen.  Weitiiel,  with  GOOO  or  more  of  his  best 
troops,  to  Donaldsonville,  and  quite  unbeknown  to  our  forces  they 
were  landed  there  on  the  night  of  the  12th.  Of  what  happened  I  will 
refSr  the  reader  to  Gen.  Green's  official  report  of  the 

BATTLE  OF  THE  LAFOURCHE— COZ'S  PLANTATION- 

[Note. — The  battle  of  Thibodeauxville,  which  was  fought  only  by 
the  Second  Texas  Cavalry,  under  Col.  Pyron,  is  often  confounded  with 
this  battle,  consequently  I  mark  this  "Cox's  Plantation,"  by  Avhich 
name  the  battle  is  known  to  readers  of  Northern  papers  and  Yankee 
accounts,  which,  as  a  matter  of  course,  they  also  claim  ;  s  a  decided  vic- 
tory over  "the  rebels  in  lower  Louisiana."  Gen.  Green's  official  report 
is  quite  clear  and  comprehensive,  and  T — not  being  a  participant — 
shall  not  attempt  to  give  any  other  account  of  it.  For  this  report  I  am 
indebted  to  my  gallant  young  friend.  Adjutant  Jehn  Wilkins,  of  the 
Second  Regiment.] 


Headquarters  First  Cavalry  Brigade, 
Assumption  Church,  on  Lafourche,  La.,  July  14,  1863. 


} 


Major 

After  the  assault  on  Fort  Butler,  of  the  28th  ultimo,  three  regi- 
ments of  my  brigade — the  Fourth,  Fifth  and  Seventh  Texas  Cavalry- 
were  occupied  in  watching  the  movements  of  the  enemy  at  Donaldson- 
ville ;  whilst  the  cavalry  brigade  of  Col.  Major's  was  ordered  to  the 
Missi^;sippi  river  between  the  Vacherie  road,  leading  from  Thibodeaux, 
nud  th(!  Bateau  road,  leaning  from  Assumption  Church,  a  distance  of 
about  20  miles,  on  (he  banks  of  tiie  Mississippi.  Several  batteries 
were  sent  to  the  river  with  Col.  Major,  numbering  in  guns  about  18  or 
20,  which  kept  up  an  almost  continuous  lire  on  the  enemy's  gunboats 
and  transports  by  day  and  by  night,  from  the  bend  of  the  river.  Sev- 
eral of  the  enemy's  boats  were  crippled,  some  badly. 

This  interruption  of  the  navigation  of  the  river  caused  great  un- 
easiness on  the  part  of  the  enemy ;  and  on  the  10th  of  July  at  least 
the  transports  came  down  the  river  from  Port  Hudson  to  Donaldson- 
ville, crowded  with  troops.  On  the  12th  several  other  boats  came  down 
with  troops.  In  view  uf  this  threatened  advance  in  force  on  us  by  the 
enemy,  I  ordered  Col.  .AL-ijor's  Brigade  and  artillery  to  withdraw  from 
th«  rivar  to  fh«  Lufourclie,  for  the   purpose  of  concentrating  on  both 


({d  1  rnsToifT  or  titk 

siJes  of  OiP  baroi:.  as  iie.-ir  a?  pos.-^lblc  Id  tin;  dbt'iriy,  wliicli  vii\\-  met 
with  3'our  approl)atioD. 

Major's  Ilrigade.  consiHtinc^  of  Lane's,  Stone's,  Baylor's  and  Phil- 
lips' Ili'gimonts — not  SOU  ofTectivt^  men  present — with  two  sections  rtf 
Farr's  Ba,ttery  wero  placed  tin  the  right  asconding  bank  of  the  La- 
fourche, and  three,  regiments  of  my  brigac'o — Hardeman's,  commanded 
by  Lieut.  Col.  Hampton  ;  Ragby'.^,  commanded  by  Lieut.  Col.  Herbert, 
and  the  Filth  Texas,  by  Maj.  McPhail,  being  tlie  Fourt!),  Fifth  and 
Seventh  Texas  Cavalry,  Mith  one  section  of  Gonzales'  Kattery,  under 
Lieut.  Augel,  not  over  7.')0  effective  men — po.sted  on  the  left  ascending 
bank,  oppo.'ite  the  brigade  ot  Ool.  llajor. 

There  had  been  warm  skirmishing  for  several  days  near  Donaldsori- 
ville,  between  ^)ur  troop.s  on  (he  upper  Lafourt'hc  and  the  enemy  on 
both  sides  of  the  bayou. 

()n  tlie  morning  of  the  loth  of  July  the  enemy  advanced  down  the 
bayon  on  both  sides  towarils  Tliibodeanx,  in  largo  number.««,  their  prin- 
cipal force  being  on  the  ri;;ht  descendin*  bank.  Abont  9  o'clock  in 
the  morning  the  enemy  ])res.^ed  us  with  artillery  and  an  iinosually 
lai'go  force  of  skirmishers,  and  not  being  able  to  ascertain  his  precis^ 
strength  with  skirmishers,  on  account  of  a  large  com  field  crossing  the 
•wliole  valley,  I  concluded  to  feel  him  a  little  uioro  he.xvily  ;  and,  if  a 
favor.ibhi  opportunity  olfered,  to  make  an  assault  on  his  advancing 
columns.  Accordingly,  after  cliccking  his  advance  by  heavily  rein- 
forcing our  skirmislifMS,  1  uj;ide  disposition  for  an  a.^sault. 

CiiUing  Col.  Jiune,  mIio  cnmmanded  Col.  Major's  Brigade,  from  tiie 
other  side  of  the  bay<m,  1  gave  him  the  necessar}'  instructions  fm-  his 
operations  on  that  side.  Immediately  after  the  r.*turn  of  Col.  Lane  to 
his  command  1  c^mimencud  tlie  assault  on  the  left  ascending  bank  of 
the  bayou,  and  soon  fviund  the,  enemy  deployed  from  the  Lafourche  to 
the  swamp  across  the  broad  valley,  Not  having  troops  enough  on  the 
left  asgending  bank  to  front  the  entire  line  of  the  enemy,  I  attacked  his 
two  Yr'ing.H  with  the  largest  jiortion  of  our  f'or.'es.  Capt.  McFhail,  with 
a  part  of  the  Fifth  and  a  small  detachmeat  of  the  Seventh,  moved  on 
the  bayou,  attacking  the  enemy's  artillery  and  carrying  it  in  a  gal- 
]\i.ni  style,  killing  the  most  of  the  gumicrs  and  terribly  cutting  to  pieces 
his  infantry  enpjtorters.  At  the  same  time  Col  ]Iam])ton,  with  the 
Fourtli  Texas  Cavalry,  was  char^jing  gallantly  the  enemy's  right 
wing,  and  turning  it,  v/hilst  Col.  Herbert,  through  the  field,  with  liis 
regiment  and  a  part  ot  the  Fifth,  was  driving  in  their  centj  o  in  splendid 
style.  The  enemy  frecjuently  rallied  in  the  ditches  in  tine  field,  but  one 
of  their  Hanks  or  the  other  was  invariably  turned  by  us  at  every  stand 
they  made,  and  a  fire  poured  down  tlie  ditch(i.s,  while  Col.  Herbert  with 
his  command  made  upon  them  in  front  ;  and  thus  wo  drove  them  for 
about  four  miles,  and  almost  to  the  walls  of  the  fort. 

Fach  stand  that  they  attempted  to  make  was  mare  feeble  than  the 
preceding  one.  .  ,    ,  ,1 

The  ground  over  which  w?  foi:ght'\ra8  ?lre\Tod  with  the  dead  and 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  61 

wouaded  of  the  enemy,  ■whilst  our  loss  was  very  inconsiderable.  Ther(} 
were  over  500  of  the  enemy  killed  and  wounded,  of  whom  200  were 
left  dead  on  the  field,  and  about  250  prisoners.  We  captured  a  large 
number  of  the  most  improved  small  a.ira-,  principally  Enfield  rifles. 
We  captured  also  two  pieces  of  artillery,  one  of  which  was  a  very  Sti- 
perior  rifle  gun,  besides  amnumition,  provisions,  tents,  wagons,  teams 
and  much  other  camp  equipage. 

In  this  battle  the  prisoners  represented  that  we  tought  the  brigades 
of  Gens.  Weitzel  and  Dwight,  on  the  right  ascending  bank  of  the  La- 
fourche, and  a  part  of  the  command  of  Gen.  Grover,  on  the  other  side. 
The  whole  of  this  battle  Vv^as  a  succession  of  charges,  and  I  have  never 
before  witnessed  such  determined  valor  as  Avas  displayed  by  our  troops. 
They  frequently  charged  the  enemy  in  line  of  battle  and  delivered 
their  fire  upon  them  at  twenty-five  paces,  with  the  coolness  of  vete- 
rans. 

The  victory  on  our  part  was  a  signal  one,  and  the  route  of  the  ene- 
my complete.  Where  tlie  gallantry  displayed  by  our  officers  and  men 
was  so  universal,  I  cannot  make  distinction.  The  Regiments  under 
the  command  of  Col.  Lane,  oil  the  opposite  side  of  the  Bayou,  behaved 
with  gallantry.  That  portion  of  Col.  Lane's  own  Regiment  which  was 
dismounted,  moved  up  the  Bayou  and  gallantly  co-operated  with  our 
troops  on  the  h^ft  ascending  bank.  In  this  action  the  enemy  w«^re  so 
i-oughly  handled,  that  they  Attempted  no  further  movement  from  Don- 
aldsouville  during  their  stay  on  the  Lafourch?. 

Our  loss  did  not  exceed  3  killed  and  30  wounded,  six  mortally;  while 
that  of  the  enemy  was  little  less  than  a  thousand.  This  great  disparity 
at  loss  is  most  wonderful,  and  can  only  be  accounted  for,  on  the  ground 
of  the  enemy's  panic  in  our  first  impetuous  charge,  which  was  kept  up 
BO  close  during  the  action,  giving  them  but  little  time  to  rally  and  to 
toUect  together  their  broken  lines. 

,  I  remained  in  the  vicinity  of  the  enemy  for  two  days  after  the  bat- 
tle of  the  loth,  and  until  orrlered  to  move  toward  the  Bay.  During 
which  time  the  enemy  remained  quiet  in  and  around  the  Fort,  making 
no  demonstiiitions  against  us  whatever,  and  not  even  following  us  with 
their  pickets.  This  victory  completely  paralized  the  enemy  inour  rear, 
and  enabled  us  to  move  from  the  Lafourche  after  the  fall  of  Vicksburg 
and  Port  Hudson  without  molestation. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

THOMAS  GREEX, 
Maj.  L.  Bisn,  Brig.  Gen.  Comd'g. 

A.  A.  Gen.,  &;c. 

After  this  most  glorious  victory,  and  the  elapse  of  the  time  (two 
days),  spoken  of  in  tlie  Generals  report,  the  command  moved  lo  Tliibo- 
deauxville,  thence  up  the  N.  O.and  Opelousas  railroad,  to  the  Bay  where 
it  crossed  over  in  boats,  and  went  through  Pattersonville  by  the  Battle- 
field of  Bislaud,  and  through  Franklin  to  Joanneretts,  where  it  camped 
and  remained  resting  for  some  short  while,  preparatory  to  another  "on- 


02  A  I118T0UY  OF  THE 

ward  inovfc"  which  was  sliorfly  madu  by  thp  miuious  of  destruction. 
After  the  battle  of  Lafo '.rchf,  sccinf^  that  wo  had  evacuated  the  lowor 
poition  of  the  Stato,  and  that  nothiiij  more  could  be  done  with  the 
"  rebels"  in  that  purtion,  or  with  them  in  the  position  we  held,  the 
yankee  c<iminander,  Gent-ral  iJauks,  sent  a  large  force  to  ilorganza  on 
ihu  Mississippi,  with  a  vie'.v,  no  doubt,  to  cut  off  our  retreat  to  Texas 
from  the  lower  Teche,  or  to  call  ns  from  that  country,  by  niaking  an 
advanccin  the  direction  of  Washington  and  Op.dousas,  which  moTe  they 
started  bv  crossing  the  AteliafaUya  Bayou  at  Morgan's  Ferry,  directly 
West  of  Morganza,  on  the  night  nf  the  1st  of  September.  Thia  move 
on  the  part  of  the  enemy  was  (juickly  conveyed  to  Green,  which  was  to 
liim  and  his  followers,  a  bidding  to  bo  up  and  going.  On  the  5th  of 
September,  ihi;  enemy's  advancu  guard  was  met  by  that  of  our  Brig- 
.ido,  undin*  Maj.  Boone,  at  <>r  near  Mr.  Naches'  plantation,  on  BigUane, 
and  were  drivon  back  to  Bayou  Ue  Glaize.  On  the  next  morning  our 
artillery  was  brought  up  and  after  wasting  but  a  few  rounds  of  shells, 
n  crossing  of  a  part  of  our  cavalry  was  effected.  The  enemy  were  driven 
Lack  and  the  liiigado  was  crossed  over  without  molestation.  Septem- 
ber the  7th  found  our  boys  again' in  battl<<  line  and  in  hostile  ai'ray  to 
the  troops  of  the  "  best  nation,  of  the  world''  at — 

MORGAN'S  FERRY. 

A  little  battle  was  fought  ;  the  enemy  were  again  repulsed  and 
driven  back  with  great  lot<s.  Driving  the  enemy  from  tlie  crossing  and 
crossing  over  a  Kcouting^arty  of  some  50  or  75  of  our  best  mounted 
men,  the  Brigade  was  U)V  a  short  time  up  and  down  the  Ba^-ou  in  that 
vicinity.  Tbis  camp  was  admitted  by  all  as  being  the  most  sickly  one 
that  we  had  ever  yet  made  in  Louisiana,  and  while  beneath  the  sur- 
face v.'o  buried  man}*  of  our  brave  comrades,  and  the  hospital  at  Wash- 
ington was  crowded  to  overlloAving.  Our  horses  were  fast  becoming 
untit  for  service — many  dying  for  want  of  forage.  On  the  20th  of  Sep- 
tember, Speight's  Brigade  of  infantry,  and  ]\Iajor's  Brigade  of  cavalry 
were  brought  in  that  neighborliood,  and  on  the  25th,  General  Green  as- 
sumed command  of  "  the  forci^s  on  the  Atchalalaya,"  with  orders  from 
District  ILiad  (^''-'i't^^'^s  to  Imld  that  jinstition  at  all  hazard.  The  idea 
of  lying  idle  in  the  swamp  on  \.\w  Atchafalaya,  where  nothing  but 
death,  disease  and  .'(tarvation  stare  in  the  face  of  all,  was  not  relished 
by  the  men,  nor  by  the  commanding  General,  and  true  to  his  nature, 
lie  commenced  looking  up  a  sol'i  thing,  which  in  the  course  of  time,  ho 
succeeded  in  finding.  After  the  light  on  tha  7th  at  the  Ferry,  in  which 
artillery  did  the  chielwork,  the  enemy  evincud  no  disposition  whatever 
to  either  advance  or  contest  the  position  we  held  at  the  Ferry.  On  the 
12th,  th(>y  fell  back  to  Mr.  Catlett's,  on  the  Fordoche,  where  they  held 
fjuite  a  strong  natural  position  on  us,  insomucli  that  our   advance  under 

of  some  25  men,  chielly  from  the  First  Regimi'nt  and    Waller's, 

were  compelled  to  fall  back  to  a  Bayou,  some  two  miles  distant,  where 
our  out  post  was  established  for  the  time  being,     la  trying  to  roconnoitr* 


OLD  SIBLEY  BKIGADi:.  G3 

and  to  find  out  the  enemy's  position  and  strength.  There  was  not  a 
day  passed  by  without  more  or  loss  picket  lighting,  but  with  few  cas- 
ualties. 

It  was  General  Greens  firm  belief — ■vide  his  official  coiumunicatious 
to  Gen.  ^lonton — that  he  could  "drive  the  yankees  into  the  I^Iississip- 
pi,  or  make  them  take  to  their  boats."  Gen.  Moutou  forced  an  advance 
up  the  Teche.  Major's  Brigade  was  taken  away  from  Green  to  repel 
a  supposed  invasion  up  that  stream,  which  they  did  without  the  loss  of 
blood.  Green  on  learning  that  the  Teche  invasion  was  all  a  "  hoax," 
applied  for  Major's  Brigade  to  be  moved  back  to  its  old  camp,  iuforiu- 
iug  his  superior  that  sugar  coolers  quite  sufficient  had  been  collected 
to  cross,  if  necessar}',  10,000  men  over  the  Atcliafalaya  in  a  few  hours, 
and  that  he  contemplated  a  forward  move  On  the  moru'ng  of  the  21st, 
his  request  was  complied  with,  yet  not  without  a  certain  degree  of  re- 
luctancy,  which  had  niarked  Gen.  Mouton's  official  bearings  since  his 
disastrous   afi'air   before    Fort  Butler.     On  the    morning  of  the  2od  of 

September,  a  j'ouug  man  by  the  name  of  N ,  made   his  escape  from 

tho  Yankees  at  Morganza.  He  came  to  Gen.  Green's  Headquarters  to 
"  make  known  his  secrets."  At  first  the  General  received  him  rather 
coolly,  but  on  hearing  his  tale,  the  young  man  was  furnished  with  a 
small  scouting  parly  which  he  promised  to  convince  of  the  truthfulness 
of  his  assertions,  which  were  in  substance  :  that  the  enemy  were  "  at 
Mrs.  Slerkng's  and  JIrs  Catlett's,  on  the  Fordoche,  withaforce  of  12  or 
1500  men,  v  ith  one  ]3atte.ry.  Mrs.  Sterling's  was  one  mile  in  the  rear 
of  Mrs.  Catlett's,  on  the  road  to  Morganza.  At  her  house  the  infantry 
was  camped  ;   the  cavah-y  and  artillery   were  posted  at   Mrs.  Oatlett's. 

Early  the  next  morning  K and  his  party  of  five  men  returned  and 

fully  confirmed  the  statement  made  by  him  the  day  previous.  Where- 
upon General  Green  wrote  to  General  Mouton  that  he  had  "  determined 
upon  an  assault."  By  night  and  by  day  the  work  ofpreparir.g  to  carry 
into  execution  his  intentions  went  on;  yet  not  without  many  draw  backs. 
Tho  steamer  "  Minerva,"  was  to  have  been  there  to  assist  him  in  cross- 
ing, &c.  On  the  26th,  he  wrote  to  the  commander  of  the  Sub  District, 
tha*  "  what  ever  is  done  here  must  be  done  with  celerity."  At  10 
o'clock  that  night  he  writes  to  Col.  Major  :  •'  I  have  determined  to  at- 
tack the  enemy  as.soouas  it  is  possible  for  you  to  have  a  regiment  on 
their  flank."  The  reader  must  here  be  told  that  ior  ten  days  and  niglits, 
neithei  the  sun,  moon  or  stars  had  been  seen  by  the  denizens  of  the 
•'  tented  field"  and  "swampy  forests,"  that  it  had  rained  without  scarce- 
ly an  intermission,  during  that  whole  time.  No  words  within  my 
knowledge  which  Webster  u.ses  in  his  Quarto,  could  portray  to  the  rea- 
der a  correct  idea  of  the  state  of  the  roads,  orthe  real  hardships  endur- 
ed by  the  men,  all  too,  without  a  murmur;  "like  officers  like  men,"  all 
suffered  and  all  equally  did  their  duty.  On  the  27th,  at  12  o'clock  in 
the  night,  everything  being  ready,  a  forward  move  was  ordered.  Three 
days  rations  had  been  cooked  ;  three  days  forage  and  provisioHS  wero 
left  at  the  camp  together  with   a  detail— mcstly  tlic  sick— of  men  to 


Oi  A  HISTOKY  OF  'J  HE 

lakecliargp  of  tbe  c.unp  and  horecs  No  betterdescriptiou  or  what  fol- 
lowi'il  cMi  he  given  tl.nii  that  givt-n  hy  General  Grem  in*  his  olVicial  re- 
port, which  ihioiigli  tin-  JiiiHlncPs  of  Colonel  McNeill,  I  am  enabled  to 
give  ti»  ihc  reader,  and  that  without  comiuents.  His  lirst  report  an- 
nouncing tlic  victory,  written  Irom  tho  field  runs  as  follows: 

"  !Mnj(ir-^I  have  the  honor  to  announc*;  that  my  plans  originally 
communicated  to  you  have  bt'cn  successfully  carried  out  yeslerdav, 
and  another  victory  achieved  over  our  enemy." 

Then  codhs  his  ofljcial  leport: 

HuADQi'AinKUs  FoRriis  ox  Atcuafala\  A,  > 
Camp  McKridc,  Oct.  :.',  1SG:j.      j 
Major  Louis  Bush.  A.  A.  G.,  Opelousas  : 

Major — I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  tepder  a  full  report  of  the 
action  on  the  20th  ult.,  at  the  JTordocho  Bridge  and  Mris.  btorling's 
place,  six  miles  from  ^lorganza,  on  the  Fordoche. 

At  midnight  on  the  yGtii  a  communication  was  addressed  tp  Col. 
Major,  commanding  ^lajor's  lirigade,  (encamped  on  Big  Cane,)  to  send 
one  of  his  best  regimcnls  to  J.yons"  Feny,  on  the  Atchalalaya,  on  the 
fulluwing  day  (27th)  and  to  cross  at  that  ferry  and  march  to  Lavonia 
by  the  night  of  the  28th,  and  on  the  morning  of  tiie  2i,)th  to  move  up  to 
the  Fordoche,  near  the  Lricli::^  on  the  Morganza  IState  road.  This  order 
was  promptly  complied  w  itli,  Col.  Major  sending  I'hilHps'  Keglmeut, 
commanded  by  Major  Frazier,  of  the  ArizoJia  Brigade. 

On  the  27th  the  necessary  orders  were  issued  to  the  several  com- 
manders to  make  preparations  on  the  28th  for  an  advance  cu  tho 
enemy. 

The  crossing  commenced  at  3  o'clock  P.  M.  on  the  2Sth,  WallerV 
and  Bountree's  Battalions  leading  with  their  hor.--es,  followed  by  iSimms' 
Battf^ry,  all  of  which  were  successfully  crossed  before  dark.  Speight's 
and  Mouton's  liiigades  of  infantry  M'ere  next  in  order;  the  Fourth, 
Fifth  and  Seventh  Regiments  of  T.  M.  V.,  dismounted,  crossing  last. 
All  Avere  safely  landed  on  the  east  bank  by  1  o'clock  a.  m.  on  the  29th. 
The  vain  commenced  laliiiig  at  dark  on  the  evening  of  the  28l1i,  and 
continued  with  only  temporary  cessation  until  tho  night  of  the  oOth. 

At  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  21)th  the  troops  Mere  ready  for 
the  march.  Col.  Henry  Gray,  commanding  j\]outan's  Brigade,  was 
ordered  to  take  up  his  lino  oi'  march  (Speight's  Brigade  having  been 
added  to  his  command,  together  with  iilteen  mounted  men  from  Wal- 
ler's Battalion,  under  command  of  Lieut.  Weisiger,  Co.  A)  by  a  trail 
through  the  swamp  which  intersected  tho  Morganza  State  road,  some 
four  miles  from  that  place,  and  between  the  enemy's  forces  at  Morganza 
and  their  advance  at  Mrs.  Sterling's  and  the  Fordoche  Bridge.  Coi. 
Qray  was  ordered  to  attack  the  enemy's  advancu  at  once  on  reaching 
the  intersection  of  the  road,  which  he  did  by  ordering  Speight's  Brig- 
ade, under  Lieut.  Col.  llanison,  to  the  attack. 

*  #  •  *  *  *  * 


OLD  SIBLET  BRIGADE.  Q6 

The  balance  of  the  troops,  cousistiiif^  of  Waller's  aud  Rountree's 
Battalions  of  Cavalry,  Simm's  Battery,  the  Fourth,  Fiftli  and  ."rieventh 
T.  M.  v.,  clismounti'd,  took  up  their  line  of  nirach  by  the  main  iStato 
road  to  Fonloche  Bridge,  -which  point  was  reached  by  11  o'clock.  An 
advance  of  cavalry  was  sent  forward  to  the  bridge,  and  were  fired  upon 
by  the  enemy's  picket  at  that  place.  Skirmishing  continued  here  for 
half  an  hour,  when  the  firing  was  heard  from  the  rear  at  ilrs.  Sterling's. 
Willi  one  section  of  the  batter}',  under  Lieut.  West,  the  Fourth  and 
Fifth  Regiments  I  deployed  through  a  pl.lid<ed  fence,  and  opened  with 
the  artillery  upon  the  quarters  at  Mr.  Catlett's,  Avhere  a  portion  of  the 
enemy's  cavolry  was  stationed,  and  at  the  same  time  ordered  !Major 
Boone,  with  the  second  section  of  battery  and  the  Seventh  Regiment, 
to  move  rapidly  down  tho  road  to  the  bi  idge  ;  all  of  which  was  done. 
The  dismounted  men  of  the  Fourth  and  Fifth  moved  at  a  double-quick 
across  the  ])loughed  field  to  the  quarters,  but  the  enemy's  advance  of 
cavalry  had  fallen  back  to  their  headquarters,  a  mile  lurtlier  on,  at  a 
Mr.  Norwood's  house.  The  sections  ot  artillery  united  at  the  bridge, 
and  the  whole  command  proceeded  with  great  rapidity  towards  tho 
house.  Majors  Boone  and  Rountree  made  a  dashing  chr.rge  upon  tho 
enemy's  ca  airy,  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  near  the  house,  aud  scat- 
ter* d  th.^m  witli  such  effect  that  they  •\vere  never  seen  again,  having 
retreated  through  a  lane  and  turn-rows  to  a  road  leading  around  tho 
rear  of  plantations,  which  was  unknown  to  me.  During  these  transac- 
tions, the  firing  from  the  rear  li.'ul  continued  with  slight  interruptions, 
and  ]\raj<)r  Buone  was  ordered  to  tako  his  own  command  and  Rouutree's 
and  charge  the  enemy  at  !Mrs:  Sterling's,  which  he  did  most  gallantly, 
charging  the  enemy's  battery  and  rce(.'iviug  two  sevens  wounds.  The 
.charg((  closed  the  fight,  the  enemy  surrendering  in  detachments,  as  thej 
retreated  and  were  overtaken  by  our  troops. 

The  result  of  this  victory  is  'fc.3  non-commissioned  officers  and 
privates,  i^'J  olficers,  two  teii-poinid  parrot  guns  in  fine  order,  Avith  cais- 
sons cf>niplete,  two  new  ambuimces  and  one  hospital  wagon,  new  and 
filled  with  medical  stores,  and  two  stands  of  regiuiental  colors,  belong- 
ing to  (he  Niui^teeiith  Iowa  and  Twenty-sixth  Indiana  Vol.  Many 
sni;dl  arms  were  saved,  and  {'\L'\-y  man  with  an  inferior  weapon  was 
supplied  with  a  good  and  efficient  one. 

Maj.  W.  L.  Roberts,  Cliief  of  Ordnance,  was  on  the  field,  and  was 
doing  all  to  secure  the  fruits  of  the  victory  that  could  be  done. 

Tiie  wounded  were  sent  rapidly  to  the  rear,  under  the  direction  of 
Chief  Surgeon  Geo.  Cupples,  who  had  made  every  preparation,  and  by 
his  active  supervision  saved  the  lives  aud  conduced  greatly  to  the  com- 
fort of  the  wounded.  Too  much  praise  cannot  be  awarded  to  him  for 
his  efficiency. 

After  burying  the  dead  tho  lino  of  march  was  taken  up  for  ^[organ's 
Ferry,  Col.  Gray,  with  ]\Iouton's  Brigade  having  been  called  in,  and 
I'hillips' Kegitnent  of  Cavalry  sent  forward  toward's  Morganza  to  re- 
pulse and  check  the  enemy  should  they  advance. 


66  A  HISTORY  OF  TJIK 

The  artilkry  roaclied  tlin  bank  of  the  Atchafalaya  at  7  o'clock  P. 
M.,  and  commenced  crossing.  Owing  to  the  state  of  the  banks,  and 
that  only  one  forry  flat  conld  be  used,  it  was  nearly  daylight  before 
their  crossing  was  completed. 

]yiany  of  the  infantry  and  dismounted  men  fell  by  the  roadside,  com- 
pletely exhausted,  but  all  were  safely  crossed  the  morning  of  the  30th. 
A  small  steamboat  having  arrived,  was  used  in  crossing  the  infanti-y. 
1  cannot  award  too  much  ])raise  to  the  troops  of  my  command  for  their 
rapid  movements,  under  the  discouraging  effects  of  a  heavy  rain  and 
roads  knee-deep  in  mud,  and  their  willingness  to  attack  the  enemy. 

Col.  Henry  Gray,  with  bis  command  proceeded  to  the  point  desig- 
nated in  bis  orders  with  all  the  speed  possible,  having  to  ])as8  through 
the  swamp  by  a  trail,  which  was  pointed  out  to  him  by  Lieut.  Cam- 
mack  and  Private  Newsom  (whose  services  were  invaluable)  a.s  g-uides. 
Col.  Gray  was  also  accompanied  by  Gen.  Lewis,  as  volunteer  aid,  rou- 
dering  him  efficient  service. 

To  Lieut.  Col.  Harrison,  commanding  Speight's  Brigade,  and  Cols. 
Speight  and  Clack,  and  ^lajor  Daniels,  who  led  their  commands  most 
gallantly  to  the  attack,  all  honor  is  due,  and  to  the  officers  of  their  sev- 
eral commands,  who  displayed  great  coolnes.s  in  the  action.  Many  of 
their  men  had  never  been  under  fire  before,  but  moved  like  veterans 
up  to  the  enemy,  under  a  heavy  fire,  and  succeeded  in  driving  him 
from  bouse  to  house  up  the  levee,  when  Major  Eoone".--  charge  was 
made.  The?  heavy  loss  sustained  by  Speight's  lirigade  shows  the  des- 
perate nature  of  the  conflict,  and  it  is  not  out  of  place  to  mention  here, 
even  when  all  distinguished  themselves,  the  gallant  bearing  and  ac- 
tivity of  Lieut.  Jones,  A.  A.  A.  G. 

The  charges  madtt  by  Majors  I^oone  and  Rountree  stand  forth  to 
be  rewarded  in  the  annals  ofliistory.  The  lamented  Lieut.  Spirey,  of 
Co.  I,  Rountree's  Hattalion,  was  killed  in  the  charge.  We  deplore  his 
loss,  being  one  of  the  most  energetic  officers  in  the  brigade,  and  of  true 
courage  and  discretion. 

Col.  A.  P.  Bagby,  in  command  of  Green's  l>rigade,  brought  Li:*  men 
most  handsomely  to  the  charge,  and  kept  them  on  hand  ready  for  any 
emergency,  and  by  bis  activity  rendered  much  valuable  service. 

Col.  J.  P.  Major's  connnand,  consisting  of  two  regiments  and  the 
Pelican  Battery,  were  stationed  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Atchafalaya, 
to  protect  the  crossihg  and  act  as  a  reserve  in  case  of  necessity.  Col. 
Major  accompanied  me,  and  gave  grtat  assistance,  acting  with  his  usual 
gallantry.  And  to  his  officers  1  am  indebted  for  prompt  action  when 
called  upon. 

My  own  personal  stalV,  A.  A.  A.  Geu'l  Wells,  Capt.  Sheppard,  A. 
D.  C.  Capts.  Calvitt  and  Me.Vnelly,  volunteer  aids,  were  active  and 
efficient,  and  rendered  me  much  service. 

The  gallant  dead  have  proven  their  devotion  to  our  cause,  and  tho 
wounded  in  their  silent  sufferings  have  shown  that  fortitude  wbicK  a 
good  cause  alone  could  have  imbued  them  with.     Notwithslaudlug  the 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  «7 

Revere  march,  the  troops  are  ready  and  auxious  to  again  meet  the  in- 
vader of  onr  soil. 

Below  I  respectfully  submit  a  recapitulation  of  the  losses  sustained 
in  the  action  : 

Killed.       *  Wounded.        Missing. 

Speight's  Brigade 23  71  7 

]\routou's         "       1  7  3 

Waller's    Battalion 0  2  0 

Rountree's       "        2  3  0 

I  am,  JLnjor,  very  jespectfully, 

your  obedient  servant, 

THOS.  GREEN, 

Brig.  Gtn.  Commanding. 
After  this  the  most  brilliant  of  all  brilliant  affairs,  the  Brigade,  as 
well  as  the  whole  army,  was  brought  back  to  their  old  encampment  on 
the  west  side  of  the  Atchafalaya,  when  for  a  few  days  the  boys  were 
again  allowed  to  rest  from  active  service,  during  which  time  General 
Green  bad  occasion  to  issue  his  twenty  first  General  Order,  requiring 
something  to  be  done  by  the  company  commanders  which  they  had  not 
previously  been  in  the  habit  of  doing,  what  1  I  now  forget — with  which 
he  issued  the  following: 

oin.oxjiji.iauEi.- 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  GREEN'S  BRIGADE,  ) 
Camp  McBridb,  La.,  Sept.  23d,  1863.      ) 
To  the  Officers  and  Men  composing  this  Brigade ; 

In  addres.sing  you  at  this  time,  it  is  not  for  praise  after  one  of  these 
victories  over  the  enemy's  of  our  land,  for  which  you  have  become  fa- 
mous ;  ncr  is  it  for  censure,  but  it  is  only  an  earnest  solicitude  for  the 
wellfare  and  well  doing  of  the  command. 

I  would  see  a  spirit  of  pride  cherished  throughout  the  command, 
from  the  highest  to  the  lowest,  nut  only  as  soldiers  on  the  field  of  bat- 
tle, but  also  that  discipline  in  camp  so  necessary  to  make  the  perfect 
soldier. 

We  have,  as  a  command,  gained  an  enviable  reputation  as  soldiers 
for  fighting,  let  us  also  attain  the  same  reputation  in  our  camps  and  on 
our  marches.  Let  each  officer  feel  a  pride  and  his  duty  to  carry  out 
effectively  the  Rules  and  Regulations  of  this  Department ;  and  to  each 
non-coinmipsioned  officer  and  private  I  would  say  let  them  be  a  noble 
emulation  who  best  shall  perform  his  duties,  so  that  new  laurels  may 
be  added  to  these  already  gained  in  the  estimation  of  our  countrymen. 

As  3'our  commander,  I  feel  a  pride  in  your  past  deeds,  and  for  the 
future,  r  feel  confident  that  this  appeal  will  be  responded  to,  and  the 
evidence  of  its  benefits  exhibited  in  the  first  encounter  with  the  enemy, 
and  in  the  t>atisfaction  of  the  whole  command. 

THOMAS  GREEN, 
Brigu-Gen.  Cond'g. 


08  A  HIsroKV  OF  THE 

•'  Wlion  Greek  meets  Greek  ilu'n  comes  the  lug  of  war,"  and  when 
n  DulrbiTian  meets  lager  beer  then  coroes  drinhinjr,  as  will  bo  Reen  in  n 
phort  time.  Our  day  of  strife  was  not  yet  over.  The  foe  were  advanc- 
ing in  another  tlirectif  n  and  ihcold  Brigade  were  again  called  to  their 
8a<l<lles.  An  "  onward  move"  to  T<'xas  had  been  concocted  by  the  au- 
ihoritiep  at  Washington,  in  the  United  States.  Franklin  at  the  head 
of  27,000  wa.s  landtjd  at  BniKlirar  to  move  on  Texa.«  by  wav  of  Nt  w 
Iberia  and  ()pelou.sas  to  Nibletl'.s  Bluir,  in  conjunction  with  another 
force  equally  as  large,  winch  was  to  move  by  wiMer,  .'^imultaneoi.slv 
Avith  Franklin  on  Sabine  Pa.c8.  Franklin's  expedition  was  considered 
"  a  eecrej  one."  lie  landed  at  th(!  mouth  of  the  Techn  some  time  on 
the  1st  of  October,  and  by  the  most  rapid  marches  now  on  record,  his 
advance  reached  Vermilionville  on  the  Dth  of  (Jcfober,  w  here  it  was 
meet  by  the  First  Keginn  iit,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Hampton,  and  another 
young  batth' was  fought.  In  consequenct;  of  the  great  superiority  of 
their  nimibers,  wo  were  coinpellod  to  retire  before  the  enemy.  For 
throe  days  did  the  First  KegiimMit  engage  in  blo!)dy  conflict  tlieir  ad- 
vance until  it  reached  (?.irrion  Crow  Ba^-ou,  where  on  the  l.*ilh,  tho 
Brigade  under  Col.  W.  F.  Hardeman,  was  brought  into  the  "  affair  " — 
A  desperate  engagement  insned,  and  until  the  Fable  wings  of  j^igbt 
came  to  close  the  bloody  affair,  tho  "tide  of  battle  waxed  warm."  Tliis 
checked  the  enemy's  ailvance  for  two  days.  On  the  16th,  they  were 
again  meet  by  (.^<)1.  II.  C.  McNeill,  with  the  Second  llegiment,  at  Mrs. 
liodgers'  I'lanlatinn  in  the  morning.  At  first  they  did  not  evince  much 
ot  a  disposition  to  advance.  By  12  o'clock  iM..  their  reinforcements  ar- 
rived, and  McNeill  was  compelled  to  fall  back  to  the  Brigade  tnider 
Col.  Hardeman,  who  had  been  in  battle  line  all  day.  llere  another 
desperate  conliict  was  hud  uutil  night  again  closed  the  action.  On  the 
following  morning  our  forces  retreated  to  Hudsons'  plan'alion.  where 
the  enemy  were  again  met  on  the  17th  and  Iblh  by  the  whide  Division, 
under  Gen.  (ireen,  but  in  consequence  ol  tlieir  great  nuuiUers,  we  were 
again  compelled  to  retire.  At  Opilou>as,  on  the  yist,  they  were  again 
brought  to  a  IihuU  by  the  Brigade,  under  Col.  A.  1*.  Bagby.  Here  the 
enemy  was  firht  aj)prised  ot  the  disastrous  deleatthat  the  colnmu  which 
was  moving  in  conct  rt  with  Franklin  had  met  with  at  Sabine  Pass, 
and  they  resolved  to  ho'd  up  a  little  until  another  camp-tign  could  be 
jilanned/j  Accordingly  their  main  force  was  withdrawn  to  Vermilion- 
ville, leaying  a  forct^  of  .0000  on  Bnrbeaux  Bayou  as  a  r  serve  lor  liieir 
picket,  which  they  left  on  (Jarrion  Crow.  In  a  i\'W  days  Gen.  (jre.*n 
liecame  apprised  ol  the  true  condition  and  situatnui  of  allairs,  and  to 
use  his  own  favorite  ]dira.M',,hu  "determined  ujn»n  an  attack."  <  )l  wliat 
iollowed  here,  I  give  bis  own  rej)i»rt  of  tin — 

BATTLE  OF  BUREEAUX. ' 

ili.Ai)  (Jt  AIM  KR.s,  Divisnj.\  OK  Cav.m.kv,  ) 
Opelousas,  November  4th,  1803.      ) 
^Iajok: — After   Iiaving    retired    from    Opelousas,  Oct.  20th,  1863, 


OLD  SllJLKY  BRIGADE.  C>9 

with  tlio  Divivsion  of  Cavalry  undin*  my  command  boforo  tlie  advancing; 
cnem}',  in  three  columns,  to-wit  :  ]\rajors  Uri.trade  up  llie  (Jliicot  n.iad, 
nnd  Ba-jliy's  and  iho  artillery  up  the  ]3a^uf  and  B\g  Cane  roads,  to  a 
point  AvJjere  Tirage  could  be  jnociired  for  our  horses.  Only  a  few  days 
rest  intervened,  when  my  scout?  reported  that  the  enemy  had  fallen 
"back  from  th«i  vicinity  of  Ojielousas  nnd  Barne's  Lauding,  at  which 
place  they  had  encamped  in  cousiderable  forc(\ 

Upon  this  information  being  conveyed  to  the  Major  General  Com- 
manding, I  was  ordered  to  pursue  and  harass  the  enemy  with  my  Di- 
vision of  cavalry  and  three  regiments  of  infantry,  then  on  out  post  duty, 
to-wit :  Cols.  Roberts',  King's  and  Speight's,  the  latter  commanded  hy 
Lieut.  Col.  Harrison,  and  three  sections  of  artillery. 

In  pursuance  to  orders,  I  took  up  the  line  of  march  in  the  direction 
of  Opelousas  on  the  1st.,  and  overlook  the  rear  guard  of  the  enemy  on 
IJayou  Burbeaux,  seven  mih^s  bf-low  that  place,  consisting  of  two  Brig- 
ades of  infantry,  commanded  by  Gen.  Burbndge,  of  the  13lh  U.  .S.army 
corps,  and  three  regiments  of  c^valiy  and  two  batteries.  Alter  having 
suflicieutly  reconnoitred  tlie  position  of  tlw.  enemy,  I  determined  to  at- 
tack him,  and  made  my  dispositions  accordingly.  Colonel  Roberts  in 
command  of  ihe  three  regiments  of  infantry — before  menfioncd — was 
assigned  to  the  command  of  our  left  wing,  arrtl  was  directed  to  sweep 
down  the  Bellevue  road  and  occupy  the  timber  below  the  enemy  on  the 
Bayou,  and  assail  his  right  flank. 

C(,l.  Major  with  his  Bri  cade  of  cavalry  constituted  our  right  wing, 
■while  Colonel  Bagby  with  his  Brigade  of  cavalry  occupied  our  centre. 
Two  of  his  regiments,  the  4th  and  5th,  were  dismounted  and  acted  as 
infantry  for  the  occasion,  of  supporting  our  artillery,  which  consistfd  of 
a  rifle  section  of  Daniel's  battery  and  a  section  of  the  Val  Verde,  com- 
manded respectivel}^  by  Lieuts.  ILamilton  and  Hume,  both  sections  be- 
ing placed  for  the  occasion,  under  command  of  Lieut.  Morse. 

These  dispositions  having  b(?en  made,  and  the  ground  assigned  to 
Brigade  commanders  occupied,  I  ordered  an  immediate  advance.  About 
11  o'clock,  A.  M.,  of  the  3d  inst.,  Col.  Roberts  drove  in  the  enemy's  skir- 
mishers on  his  right  flank,  and  commenced  the;  attack.  Our  infantry 
was  engaged  for  lialf  an  hour  before  our  cavalry  and  dismounted  troops 
with  the  artillery  was  closely  engaged  on  our  right  and  centre.  C)ur 
infantry  was  most  stubbornly  resisted  by  the  enemy,  but  they  gallantly 
and  steadily  moved  forward  without,  for  a  moment  faltering,  under  a 
most  terrific  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry.  Our  artillery  was  brought 
up  within  four  hundred  yards  of  a  line  of  the  enemy's  infantry  in  front 
oftheir  encampment,  and  fired  a  few  shots  into  tliem,  but  about  this 
time  our  cavalry  under  Colonel  Major,  on  our  extreme  right  dashed  in- 
to the  left  flank  of  the  enemy,  while  Col,  Bagby  with  Herbert's  {7th 
Texas  cavalry)  regiment,  and  Waller's  Battalion  mounted,  and  Harde- 
man's (4lh  Toxivs  cavalry),  and  ^fcNeill's  di.^mounted,  charged  them  in 
front,  making  one  of  the  most  brilliant  cavalry  charges,  on  a  partially 
concealed  loe,  on  record.*^  Our  gallant  infantry  under  their   brave  offi- 


70  A  Jll^ioKY  OF  Tin: 

cers  iiad  given  tlio  enomy  sucli  a  ili.istisement  ou  liis  right  flank,  push- 
ing l:ini  back  to  hip  encampmcnf,  t'mt  tbe  wlioh^  federal  i'orce  gave  way 
;ts  soon  as  tli'^  eui;ag«ment  bfcmi"  pincral  and  clo-c  TLo  victory  was 
compK'to.  The  fruits  of  wliicli  arc  about  two  Imndrod  and  iifty  of  the 
fucni}'  killfd  and  wounded,  one  hunrlred  of  whom  are  estimated  killed, 
and  over  six  hundn-d  prisoners,  thirty-two  of  whom  are  officers.  Pris- 
oners were  taken  from  the  following  regiments  :  67th  Indiana  ;  23d 
Wisconsin;  S3  Ohio;  96  Ohio;  GOth  Indiana;  1st  Louisiana  cavalry,  and 
two  batteries,  besides  a  large  quantity  of  improved  small  arms  and  ac- 
coutrements. Three  pieces  of  ar'.illery  fell  iuto  our  hands  ;  we  dnly 
had  horses  however,  to  bring  off  one  piece,  a  fine  I'.nrrot  gun  and  cais- 
son ;  morit  of  the  horses  of  the  enemy's  guns  being  killed. 

Two  hours  after  our  victory,  Gen.  Weil:cel.  of  the  10th  U.  S.  Army 
Corp.«,  came  up  with  a  division  of  infantry  of  three  brigades,  from  Car- 
rion Crow  bayou,  three  miles  distant.  Deeming  it  imprudent  to  fight 
this  large  additional  force,  after  a  warm  skirmif^.h  I  withdrew  .slowly 
and  without  loss,  the  enemy  not  attempting  to  follow  me. 

I  cannot  .say  too  much  for  the  gallantry  of  the  otUei-rs  and  ukmi  un- 
<ler  my  command  in  this  .action.  It  was  above  all  praise,  and  I  have 
never  before  witnessed  good  conduct  in  a  battle  so  universal.  I  am 
greatly  indebted  to  my  own  st.itTfor  their  efficiency,  ('apt.  (now  Ma- 
jor) Hart,  who  always  distingiiished  himself  in  battle,  was  placed  un- 
der the  command  of  (\)\.  Ili(l)erts,  to  assist  him  ou  our  left,  and  for  his 
conduct  I  refer  you  particularly  to  the  Colonel's  report. 

Capt.  Sbepard,  of  ray  old  military  family,  was  as  over  before  iu 
battle  gallant  :ind  useful.  I  cannot  say  too  much  in  praise  of  A.  A.  A. 
Geu'l  Wells  ;  uiy  <'iigineer,  Caj)t.  Ellis  and  Lieut.  Avery,  and  volun- 
teer A.  D.  C  for  the  occasion,  George  iladison,  were  also  very  useful 
and  effective. 

I  herewith  submit  a  statement  of  casualties.  A  full  list  of  the 
names  as  soon  as  jn'ocured  will  be  furnished.  To  Chief  Surgeon  Geo. 
Cuj)[)les  great  praise  is  du(^  iu  usiug  the  limited  means  at  his  command 
in  alleviating  the  suffering  of  our  noble  soldiers,  and  his  great  and  un- 
tiring .activity  in  the  discharge  of  all  his  duties.  # 

Owing  to  the  breaking  down  of  the  horses  iu  the  s.-ction  of  Simms' 
Battery,  it  did  not  arrive  .'n  time  to  participate  iu  the  action. 


I  am,  Major, 

very  respectfully, 

your  obedient  servant, 

THOS.  GUKEN, 

Brig.  Gey.  Commanding. 
Major  W.  M.  Levy,  A.  A.  &:  I.  G. 

Thus,  whilst  the  "Davy  Guards"  most  heroically  defeated  and 
drove  back  the  first  immediate  "ou  to  Texas"  at  Sabine  Pass,  Green, 
with  his  inviucibles,  nipped  the  bud  iu  its  bldum  at  Burbeaux,  which 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  71 

was  the  occasion  of  tho  follovriiia;  production — a  parody  on  "Hure's 
your  Mule" — by  some  of  the  Brij^ade;  I  know  not  who,  else  I  would 
give  his  name  to  the  vrorld,  as  it  justly  should  be  given.  'I'o  appre- 
ciate it,  however,  one  nius!:  hear  it  sung  by  members  of  the  old  Brigade, 
who  alone  know  how  to  sing — 

When  Grcea  he  got  to  Carrion  Crow, 

Ou  his  mule,  on  his  mule. 
Said  he.  "I'll  light  with  half  a  show," 

On  his  male,  on  his  mule. 
The  cavalry  c>)iamenced  attack, 
And  soon  they  d!-ovo  the  Yankees  back. 
Green's  lips  with  joy  began  to  smack, 

On  his  mule,  on  his  mule  ! 

The  First  and  Second  did  dismount, 

Off  their  mules,  off  their  mules  ; 
No  time  was  there  their  force  to  count, 

Nor  their  mules,  nor  their  mules  ; 
But  boldly  pushing  thro'  the  weeds. 
Spent  not  their  time  Avith  words,  but  deeds  ; 
Caused  many  a  Yank  to  count  their  beads, 

On  their  mules,  on  their  mules  ! 

Two  Regiments  further  on  the  right. 

On  their  mules,  on  their  mules, 
Caused  many  a  Yank  the  dust  to  bite, 

OiF  tiieir  mules,  off"  their  mules. 
Their  names  was  ^ladison's  and  Lane's; 
They  gave  the  Yanks  the  fits  and  pains. 
While  some  they  held  on  by  the  manes, 

Of  their  mules,  of  their  mules  ! 

Our  cannoniers  did  play. 

On  th(!ir  mules,  on  their  mules, 
Off  crowds  of  Yankees  in  their  way, 

On  their  mules,  on  their  mules. 
Our  infantry  did  then  advance, 
And  bid  the  Yanks  St.  Vitus  danco  ; 
Here  some  e5ca])ed — must  been  for  chance, 

Ou  their  mules,  on  their  mules  ! 

The  l'"ankf  es  their  distance  did  enlarge, 

On  thfii' mules,  on  their  mules. 
When  Herbert  led  the  Third  to  charge, 

On  their  mules,  on  tlieir  mules. 


73  A  IIIS'iOKY  OF  TilK 

Tic  cli.irgfd  till'  tiuoiis  of  Wisconsin  ; 
For  shot  i!or  shi  11  ciuvcl  Ik;  :\  piu, 
But  cried,  "my  hoys,  go  in  ninl  win, 
Oil  your  ninlis,  on  your  inuli-s  !" 

Wlipn  Franklin  lifarl  of  Groi-n's  Brigade, 

On  their  iniilc:-,  on  their  inuies, 
'I'hus  to  his  aid-di'-c.inips  hu*  said  : 

•■(  ):i  your  uiulcs,  on  your  uiuled  1 
1  si'c  that  (iri'-n  is  at  liis  old  pranks, 
lie's  no  rftspfct  for  ns  poor  Yanks  ; 
Vm  ort' to  join  i:iy  old  friend  Hank.s  ; 

Wliere's  my  mule  !   whore's  my  mulo  !" 

Aftir  the  battle  our  forces  fell  back  to  Carrion  Crow  bayou,  and 
everything  was  quiet  along  our  linos  until  the  mornijig  of  the  11th, 
when  the  enemy  took  it  upon  themselves  to  feel  our  position,  strength, 
&c.  They  were  met  on  tiie  open  prairie  with  a  determined  resistance 
by  the  Brigade,  under  Cul.  Hardeman. 

On  the  loth  they  evacuated  Vermillonville,  and  at>er  niglit  on  the 
same  day  our  forces  took  "possession  of  their  old  camp.  They  burned  the 
bridge  over  the  bayou,  (Vermilion,)  which  elVectually  barred  our  pur- 
suing them  any  further,  Jnuiiediately  our  sapper.--  and  miners  were 
put  to  work,  and  by  daylight  on  tho  following  moruing  the  bridge  was 
completed,  and  we  were  again  on  the  move. 

The  enemy  going  at  full  speed  were  not  overtak^Mi  until  we  struck 
their  pickets  otie  and  a  half  mile  from  New  Iberia.  Finding  the  enemy 
in  force  wo  retired  to  Vermilionvillo,  leaving  a  strong  picket  under 
Capt.  8tevenson,  of  the  First  Regiment.  At  12  o'clock  on  the  night 
of  the  20th  thi;  Third  Regiment,  under  ^laj.  Hofi'man,  relieved  the 
picket  of  the  First  Regiment.  The  Major  threw  out  his  pickets  on  tho 
roads  leading  from  New  Iberia,  as  he  was  directed.  The  Second  I.,a. 
Cavalry;  which  was  orilered  to  picket  a  road  out  to  the  .Major's  left, 
failed  to  reach  the  post  assigned  them,  on  which  road  tho  enemy  camu 
out  and  gained  the  road  in  the  rear  of  the  Third  Regiment,  which, 
when  done,  a  simultaneous  move  with  the  whole  army  of  twenty  thous- 
and was  nmde  on  -Maj.  llofViiiau's  encampment.  A  general  "skeiladdle" 
eu.'^ued.  Two-thirds  of  ihe  regiment  made  their  escape  by  flying  in 
every  direction.  Some  were  saved  from  capture  by  wading  into  tho 
lake  cIopo  by  and  biding  themselves  from  view  under  the  rushes  and 
weeds  in  the  water.  Notwithstanding  this  our  outpost  was  yet  kept 
at  Camp  l^ratt,  some  twenty  miles  from  our  main  force  on  Vermilion 
bayou.     Two  companies  at  a  time  were  required  to  |»icket  the  lines. 

On  the  2Jth  of  November  Companies  A  and  E  of  the  First  Regi- 
ment were  sent  out  under  Capt.  Long  and  J>ieut.  J.  C.  Roberts,  to  be 
relieved  on  the  coming  morning  by  Companies  F  and  11  of  the  sanio 
regiment,  and  also  Company  C,  under  Capt.  Alt::audcr.     At  daybreak 


OLD  SlULEY  BllIGADE.  7.T 

outlio  moining  of  tho  .-'Sth — as  the  coninvamlant  had  every  reason  to 
bcii«ve    they  wouW — the   enemy  commenced   an  advance.     Our  out- 
jiOEts,  under  Lieut.  Ilobevts,   were  quickly  driven  back  to  the   reserve 
■pick'jt,  and  that  in  turn  back  to  tho  relief  picket,  under  Capt.  Alexan- 
der, who  vras  then  the  ranking'  ofllcer  present.     A  battle  line  was  quickly 
formed,  but  to  no  use.     They   camo  like   demons,  and  <:ame  not  alone 
iu   one   column,    but  in   three,  each  of  which  was  twice  our  number. 
Tho  coluiuns  to  our  right  and  left  were  «een  makiiig  for  the  mouth  of 
a  V.no  somo  mile  or  muro  iu  our  rear.     No  word  of  comuiand  was  neces- 
sary to  guard  tho   men  against  certain  capture.     AVheeling-,  ti»o  spurs 
v/c:o  put  tii  their  horses,  iu  order  to  gain  the  mouth  of  the  lane  before 
th(j  enemy,  whi-ch  was  done  about  Hfty  yards  iu  their  advance,  closely 
pr.rsued  by  tho  column  which  were  but  a  few  moments  ago  iu  our  front, 
but  now  in  our  rear.     At  ihi:;   critical  juncture,  as  though  by  natural 
iastiiici,  o«r  men  commeucod  rallying    around  their  commander,  Capt. 
Alesiander.     In  s.  few  moments  they  were  in  and  amongst  us,  with  glit- 
tering blades  and  hellish  yells.     Their  charge  was  made  witii  a  despev 
atioii  known  only  to  those  who  have  been  under  the  influence  of  whis- 
ky and  ether  or  gunpowder.     As  might  bo  expected,  our  m^-n  broke, 
aud  from  there  to  Vermilion   bayou — twelve    miles — a  lace  was  made, 
the  llko  of  which  has  but  seldom  been  seen  in  tl-iisv/ar. 

Iu  this  little  aftair,  v/e  lost  one  killed,  three  wounded  and  fifty-Eix 
prisoners,  whisjh,  added  to  the  loss  sustained  by  the  Third  Regiment; 
a  iow  nights  'jrevious,  amounted  to  18G  of  tho  best  men  of  our  Brigade. 
All,  too,  xbr  picketing  tho  enemy's  camp,  and  pressing  theii*  rear  too 
closely.  This,  iudeed,  was  oao  of  Geii.  Grreen's  faults,  if  ho  had  any — 
a  fault  which  would  havo  been  tho  means  of  every  Yankeo  being 
driven  out  of  tho  Departuieiit  long  ero  this,  had  ho  have  lived  and  had 
his  v/ay.  There  is  uo  ouo  who  know  Geu.  Green,  but  what  would  ad- 
mit" that  he  could  do  nioro  with  but  a  handful  of  men  than  perhaps  any 
other  commander  on  tho  soil.  Combined  with  his  natural  ability  to 
command  cither  small  or  large  bodies  of  troops,  he  was  possessed  of 
thai  power  of  demanding  respect  insomuch  tha!;  his  very  presence 
would  ofteu  do  more  towards  insuring  success  than  all  the  blarney  aud 
pompous  display  which  others  of  his  rank  frequently  persisted  iu 
making.  Of  (rreen  it  can  be  said,  ioi  quoting  yheridau  Knowle*, 
that  : 

*'  Tu  pcac!  bo  wa3^  lamb, 
I:i  \jj.v  a  lam;:ierl'' 

Oil  tho  2'Jih  ot  Xovember  negotiations  wei-o  commenced  betwoeu 
Ge:ieral  Green  and  Tranklin,  by  which  aii  exchange  of  prisoners  was 
agreed  upon.  We  were  exchanged  for  all  of  th.dr  prisoners,  aud  hav- 
ing a  large  number,  by  700,  wo  Wcro  to  parole  tho  balance  out  of  our 
lines,  and  iu  turn,  tho  United  States  v/as  pledged  to  release  all  prison- 
ers Iu  their  po3scssion  iu  New  Orleam  belonging  to  the  Traus-.Uissis- 
aipui  Departmont.     A  thing  they  scoffed  at   after  their   men  had  b^ea 


74  A  IIISTORT  OF  THE 

r^'leapcd  by  us.  Auotlicr  breach  nt  good  faith  on  thd  part  of  Yankcp- 
doin,  by  which  som^  300  of  our  best  men  wore  made  to  suffer  a  long 
imj.rif"'nmout  in  tbn  city  of  N(!\v  C'rieaus.  liut  adieu  to  the  subject, 
]irt'para(ory  to  leaving  l^uisiana. 

Banks  was  organizing  anotbt'r  expedition  against  Texas,  (ienoral 
Mnprudcr  called  upon  General  Smith  for  reinforcements  from  Louisiana, 
and  it  is  said,  that  he  asked  for  General  Green's  command.  Wiuthcr 
true  or  not,  his  Division  wa.>^  seh-cted  to  go,  and  accordingly  on  the 
14th  of  Dec  'Uiber,  lS(>r5,  General  Green  in  the  advance  started  to  T.ixas 
by  way  of  Niblett's  IJluif  from  Yerinillionville,  arriving::;  at  the  former 
place  on  the  20th,  or  about,  having  made  a  force  inarch  fr.->m  the  latter 
placi'  through  the  swampy  prairies  of  Louisiana.  Gn  the  2.')th — Clirist- 
masl  m(,rniLig- — our  advance  reached  the  city  of  Ilou.^fon.  All  will 
reiDeuiber  the  suffering  endurfd  by  the  men  of  tho  command,  through 
the  coldest  spell  of  woatlmr  tli.it  Texas  had  experienced  for  many  years. 
At  camp  Lubback  our  men  actually  suffered.  On  the  5tl>.,.  as  though 
barracks  were  too  good  fur  our  Brigade,  they  were  moved  to  Harris- 
burg,  where  without  tents  or  shelter  of  any  sort,  they  M'ore  couipelled 
to  take  it  wet.  So  on  the  open  prairie,  Avith  scarcely  wood  enough  to 
cook  with,  for  seven  days  the  whole  country  was  under  water,  not  a 
dry  spot  was  to  be  found  on  which  to  sleep,  much  leas  build  a  fue  to 
warm  or  cook  with.  Every  night  ico  was  formed  on  the  ponds  find 
horse  tracks  from  one  two  inches  thick,  and  as  though  this  was  not  quite 
Bevere  enough,  on  the  '.»lh,  the  command — Brigade — was  ordered  to 
move  to  Sandy  I'uint,  in  ]jrazoria  county,  across  an  open  piairio  on 
one  of  the  coldest  days  that  Me  had  yet  experienced.  On  this  trip 
many  of  the  boys  feet  were  so  frozen  that  their  too  nails  afterwards 
came  off.  Here  the  Brigade  called  a  halt  for  a  Meek  ov  ten  days,  Mhen 
it  was  ordered  to  ninve  again,  this  time  in  the  direction  of  Hempstead. 
That  being  the  starting  pointfor  us  to  any  m  here.  Vnnxy  felt  sure  and 
BO  exprcL^sed  themselves,  that  M'e  were  again  off  for  Louisiana;  but  not 
so.  Our  horses  and  train  M-as  left  qear  St.  Philipee,  and  the  comirand 
marched  to  th«' llailvoad  at  Hempstead,  Avhero  they  took  the  (freight) 
tniiu,  then  -waiting  lor  them,  and  went  to  Houston  ;  from  thence  on  the 
next  day  to  Virginia  Point.  Here  for  one  long,  M'eary,  cold  and  never 
.to  bo  forgotten  month,  our  boys  remained  drilling  and  doing  other 
camp  duty,  by  odds  mon;  arduous  then  than  to  have  been  pertornjing 
duly  on  out-jtost,  or  in  the  iVont.  On  the  lf)th  of  February,  the  Divis- 
ion M'as  ordired  to  Columbia,  iu  Brazoria  county,  by  M-ay  ot  railway 
throu"h  Houston.  At  (volmnbia  the  Brigade  were  ciinped  for  only  a 
few  days.  MheuM'o  were  ordered  to  meet  our  horses  at  Hempstead. 

H(^re  ends  part  II  of  our  History,  and  it  is  unnecessary  for  pa;  er 
lobe  M'asted  in  telling  the  reader  that  Me  Mere,  if  anything,  overjoyed 
at  the  ])rospects  of  returning  to  Louisiana  M-ith  our  favorite  chieltain  to 
our  favorite  General — 'I'aylnr.  li  is  hard  for  oU(^  to  speak  of  his  native 
St.ale,  vet  as  a  trulliful  chronicbr  of  events  connected  M'lth  oar  history, 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  75 

I  nmst  sajs  that  with  tho  cxcoption  of  a  few  inst<ances,  we  have  always 
mot  more  genuine  hospitality  in  Louisiana  than  in  any  other  place 
that  we  have  soldiered  in.  AVhile  in  Brazoria  county  we  were  char-^ed 
33  per  dozen  for  eggs,  and  corresponding  prices  lor  everything  else  that 
the  citizens  might  have  to  spare,  however,  there  were  many  who  had 
nothing  to  spare,  especially  for  a  soldiers  pay.     But  adiau. 


A  iiKsTOin"  OF  I'm: 


1>^1^T    III. 

To  Louisiana — Baltic  of  Mansfield — Pleasant  IIiU — Trip  cm  Pcarcul 
Jslayyl — Green  hilled  at  Bhtir\s  ha?idinff — Baghi/ — Hardejtion 
conwiands  the  Brigade — Battle  of  Monett's  Fcrrj/ — Geticral  Bee — 
To  our  Train — Fighting  every  day — Ejicviy  at  Alexandria — Ta 
the  Hirer — Capture  nf  Ciuii  Boats — Kvacnativg  Alexandria —  TI77- 
soiis  Plantation — Choctaw  Swainp — Battles  vn  JSlarhsrille  Prairie 
— Mornlle — Yrllote  Bayou  Fight — The  Brigade  goes  on  the  Bo'vf 
— McAnellfs  Scont  Cmjipany — To  Black  River — Vidalio — "* 
Waterproof — Ho!  for  Arkansas — To  MonticcUo — To  the  River — 
Pine  Bluff— Makes  traeks  for  Leivisville — 7V/  Washington — Ar- 
kadelphia — Thence  to  Fulton — Goes  to  the  relief  of  Priee — Wilh 
Stipplies — Back — Paid  Off- — Starts  for  Texas — ^r.  iVr.  Sfc. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  tlie  15tli  of  February,  1SG4,  our  aclvanco 
under  AVallor  took  up  tin;  lino  of  march  I'roir,  llcmjistcad  for  Alexandria, 
La.  The  Scconil  llcj^inu-nl  closely  followed  by  the  Third,  and  the 
First  marched  on  the  following;  da j  .  General  Green  liad  received  or- 
derfi  to  move  Avitli  all  possible  dispatcli,  as  the  ent^iny  yfcn^  advancing:, 
and  would,  in  all  jivobability,  reach  Isatchitoches  ere  we  could,  Avhich 
proved  true.  Col.  Ib-ij^'by  was  sick.  The  conuuand  of  the  lirigadc  de- 
volved upon  Gol.  Hardeman.  The  Second  and  Third  Reginu^nts  under 
Gol.  McKeill  and  Major  lloilman,  on  arriving-  at  St.  Augustine,  received 
orders  to  make  a  forci^  march  to  Natchitoches  by  way  of  Sabino  town 
and  old  Foit  .Tefcsuj) ;  that  the  enemy  was  advancing,  aud  that  all  de- 
l»ended  upon  them.  Ths  order  Avas  olteyed.  Tho  Ibiced  march  th(^y 
made  will  forever  stand  upon  record  to  attest  to  tlu^  sjiirit  in  which  they 
moved.  Near  IVirt  .]e.ssuj)  they  overtook  Col.  Deliray  with  his  l{egi- 
nient,  obeyin;^  the  same<»nler.  On  the  morning  of  the  ."BOth  of  March, 
altogether  unexpected  to  tlu^m,  tho  onemy — whom  they  liad  no  idea 
were  nearer  than  fifty  miles — :nado  a  decent  u])on  their  camps  ;  a  iight 
ensued.  Kvery  one  ncfed  Ik  roically.  The  enemy  were  (juickly  re- 
})ult:ed,  but  bringing  uji  heavy  icinforconR'Uts,  our  boys  Avero  compelled 
to  fall  back  to  thel3oiilde  Ibidges.  Here  .in  llu^  2d  of  April,  «  desper- 
ate skirmish  avcs  fought  by  the  Second  and  Tliird  llegimcnls,  together 
Avilh  DeBrny'p  ^who  never  had  before  been  in  a  fight,  but  who  fully 
vinnicatcu  the  valor  of  Tcxaus  on  this  occaeion  and  Avonfor  t!n>mselve3 
the  highest  confidcuce  of  our  old  vetrans).  Evacuating  our  position  at 
this  plact.'  on  the  o^  of  April,  the  forces  fell  back  to  Ploisaul  Hill,  and 


Oi.l)  SIBLF.Y  BRIGADE.  77- 

on  the  rnh,  flic  Secrad  and  Third  ilo3;imGnt?;  joined  tlie  halnnco  of  tho 
^}r(ifrcido  undor  Baghy,  .'it.  Mansfiold.  Lnno's  I'lignde  Avas  sent,  lo  tlio 
tront  on  tlie  Gtli  ;  on  wliii-li  day  the  follov.'inc;  Cavahy  or^'aiiizalion -was 
made  hy  Generals  Sniitli  and  Taylor  :  ]\rajor  Geiicral  Thomas  Green, 
Chief  of  Cavalry.  1st  Cavalry  Division,  (Deliray's  and  Buehcl'sJ^riir- 
ades)  mid(u-  Ihiff.  Gen.  Bee  ;  2d  Cavalry  Division,  nnd(>r  Brie;.  Gen.  J. 
P.  Major  (Green's  old  Division — Sihley's^  and   Major's   old  Briprades). 

On  th?  morninp;  of  the  7th  Lane's  and  Maciison's  Ileg'imeiUs  of  the 
2d  Bnjrado  (Lane's)  of  our  Division,  under  Col.  Lai;(.>.  met  the  enemy 
two  miles  ."^oulh  of  Pleasant  Iliil,  on  the  Mansfield  road.  Here  one  of 
the  mast  desperate  fights  of  the  campaign  took  place,  in  proportion  to 
the  number  engaged.  For  three  hours  the  brave  hoys  under  their  vaL 
oreus  commanders,  Lane  and  Sladisou,  held  their  own  against  treble 
their  numbers.  The  enemy  finding  themselves  unable  to  dislodge 
our  forces,  brought  up  <a  heavy  column  of  their  infantry,  and  com- 
mcrnced  a  fhanking  mf)vo,  which  compeHed  our  troops  to  fall  back.  At 
this  moment  the  enemy  commenced  charging  wilh  furious  drunken 
yells.  Their  first,  seconfH  -and  third  charges  were  repulsed  by  our  men 
turning  as  they  would  come  at  fe.ll  speed  and  giving  them  a  volley, 
Avhic)}  told  wilh  frightful  effect  on  the  Yankee  columns.  lu  this  affair 
this  veteran  brigade  losi  .some  sixty  men. 

At  10  A.  ?.i.  the  enemy  met  the  old  Sibley  Brigade  in  line  of  battle, 
under  Col.  Hardeman,  Lane's  men  rallying  as  they  came  to  our  lines. 
Here  another  obstinate  and  desperate  little  engageihent  took  place. 
The  enemy's  first  charge  was  handsomely  rci)ulbed,  but  quickly  form- 
ing, with  heavy  re.inforc(>ments  brought  up  from  the  rear,  they  forced 
us  to  fall  back  to  Young's  Mill,  some  Iialf  amile,  where  we  were  again 
formed,  to  bn  again  drove  this  time  across  the  creek,  which  when  done, 
judge  of  our  J03-  on  meeting  Gen.  Green,  who  had  brought  up  (ho  Val 
Verde  Battery  to  our  relief.  A  few  well-directed  shuts  from  her  told 
the  en(!my  that  hereafter  they  vrouid  have  to  fight  for  the  soil  they 
gained  on  us,  which  was  tho  means  of  their  coming  to  halt.  Wy 
bivouaced.  They  did  the  same.  At  10  P.  M.  Gen.  Green  ordered  Col. 
Hardeman  to  make  a  demonstration  ou  the  enemy  by  charging  them  in 
their  position.  This  order  was  obeyed  with  a  promptness  char;  cter- 
islicof  tho  man  he  selected.  The  First  IlegimeHt  and  parts  of  tho 
others  were  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle,  for  what  purpose  thoy  then 
knew  not.  The  command  "forward"  was  given.  Then  came  the 
"keep  quiet,  and  raako  as  little  noise  as  pos.sible."  Advancing  some 
throe  hundred  yards,  the  fiash  and  crack  of  a  Yankee  rifle  was  tho  sig- 
nal to  charge.  The  enemy  were  surprised  ami  driven  some  h.-^lf  a  mile 
to  their  reserve,  when  tho  chase  had  to  be  given  up,  and  we  returned 
at  double-quick  ta  our  old  position,  which  we  held  until  daylight  of 
the  morning  ou  which  w.is  fou^rht 

THE   BATTLE   OF  MANSFIELD. 

At  9  o'clock  A.  M.  tho  enemy  commenced  their  advance  from 
Young's  Mill.     Our  Brigade,  which  was  in   the  front  at  that  timt,  uh- 


7S  A  HISTOKV  UF  TJIH 

(lorBncjby,  w.is  ordt^r.'d  to  retire  before  the  enemy  without  making  nuy 
particular  stand.  Afltot  retrealing  eoine  two  miles,  -vvt*  came  npoh 
Bet)V  Division,  which  was  in  line  of  battle  to  tlic  rijht  uf  the  vond. 
AVe  were  Ibrmed  on  hi^'  left.  Two  bafterii-s  were  jilaced  in  position  on 
ilii'  hili,  some  SOO  yards  in  our  rear.  Walker's  and  .Mouton's  Divisions 
of  infantry  were  placed  in  the  rear  and  to  the  ri^rht  and  k*tt  of  them. 
Shortly  after  thi.s  disposition  of  the  troops  were  made,  Gen.  Taylor,  on 
Keeiiic:^  tht  field,  resolved  to  r.-treat  some  two  niiks  further  before  liu 
•would  bring  on  the  engagement.  Accordingly,  a  retri-at  wf.s  sounded, 
and  just  as  our  artillery  and  iiifrnti'y  were  put  in  motion,  the  enemy's 
cavalry  came  in  sis^ht,  and  alter  a  few  moments  fa.st  tiring,  liuchel's 
Hegimaiit  withdrew.  Coming  cm  the  battle  line  iormed  by  DeBray, 
the  enemy  were  repulsed.  In  the  meantime  our  Brigade  fell  back  to 
the  position  assigned  for  ]\Ioulon's  Division  of  infantry,  at  which 
place  we  halted  until  they  were  posted,  and  "Walker  had  taken  up  his 
position  on  the  right  of  the  road,  forming  our  right  wing,  with  Mouton 
in  the  centre,  and  Green  and  the  cavahy  on  the  left.  Our  Brigade 
with  Lane's,  under  Gc-n.  Major,  was  posted  on  the  extreme  left.  Whilst 
going  to  our  position  the  enemy's  cavalry  made  a  charge  on  our  lines, 
and  wounded  several  of  th(?  First  Regiment.  We  were  (juiekly  reform- 
ed, and  after  some  little  obstinate  lighting,  the  enemy's  cavalry  wer» 
driven  ofi'  ihe  field. 

Gen.  Jilnjor  was  ordered  to  place  his  division  to  the  left  of  Mou- 
lon's  division  ef  infantiy,  which  order  he  obeyed,  and  ordered  the 
i'irst  llcgi  ent  to  advance  thiougii  the  timber  in  which  the  Brigade 
•was  in  and  drive  the  enemy  out  of  a  field,  Avhere  they  were  reported 
jdanting  a  battery.  A  forward  move  under  Capt.  Orosson  was  made  as 
directed,  and  the  enemy  were  dislodged,  as  the  General  desired,  though 
not  without  some  desperate  fighting,  in  which  we  had  some  ten  or  fit- 
teen  wouuded,  and  killed  several  of  the  enemy  and  took  seventeen  pris- 
oners, from  whom  we  learned  that  the  whole  Yankee  cavalry  force  was 
close  by. 

Gen.  Green  ordered  our  Brigade  out  further  to  the  left,  on  the  Gravel 
Hill  road.  It  had  scarcel}'  started  before  an  order  was  received  to 
turn  back,  which  it  did,  under  Col.  Hardeman,  and  on  arriving  at  its 
old  stand  the  battle  opened.  The  enemy's  artillery  had  been  brought 
up  to  the  edge  of  a  field,  on  the  opposite  side  of  Avhich  ^loutou's  Divis- 
ion were  posted.  A  charge  was  ordered  over  the  fence  and  through 
the  iield.  Our  boys  under  ]\Ioulon  bravely  faced  death  and  danger  to 
the  mouth  of  tlui  enemy's  batteries.  Fourteen  pieces  of  field  artillery, 
supported  by  9000  infantry,  rained  death  down  upon  our  ranks  as  they 
were  advanced  upon  them.  Here  it  was  that  ]\Iouton  fell.  AVhilst  the 
infantry  Avere  thus  coming  up  in  the  front,  our  division  moved  on  their 
right.  Seeing  that  they  were  outgeneraled  and  fianked,  the  enemy, 
after  making  most  a  desperate  stand  for  a  short  time,  broke  in  real  Bull 
llun  style.  Two  thousand  eight  hundred  prisoners  aud  sixteen  pieces 
of  artillery  were  taken  at  tbie  place. 


OLD  SICLEY  BRIGADE.  79 

For  a  short  time  tlie  title  of  battle  seemed  to  lull.  Niglit  was  f;ist 
coming,  and  tinie  to  us  was  all  important.  Another  forward  move  was 
sounded,  and  another  most  d(!sperate  and  bloody  eugagement  was 
fought  around  the  peach  orchard,  llere  the  enemy  were  met  with  bay- 
onets and  revolvers.  Xear  tliis  place  a  portion  of  our  Brig-adc;  was 
tlrawu  off  and  sent  further  to  the  left.  Finally  the  enemy  were  driven 
from  their  strongliold  in  the  orclmrd,  and  th(dr  train  of  24S  wagons  and 
ambulances  fell  an  easy  prey  to  us.  Our  Brigade  was  the  first  to  reach 
it.  Through  tlie  exertions  of  Col.  Hardeman  and  Iiis  men,  the  truiu 
was  quickly  (h'iven  to  our  rear,  aud  the  prize  secured.  Night  closed 
the  bloody  work.  We  had  driven  the  enemy  nearly  five  miles,  aud 
comphitely  demoralized  his  army.  • 

My  table  of  battles  will  sho\/  the  aumbers  engaged,  and  the  variou.s 
commanders,  while  amongst  the  names  of  the  killed  and  wounded  will 
be  found  the  names  or  those  noble  braves  who  sealed  their  devotion  to 
our  cause  on  the  ever  memorable  battle-field  of  I^lansfield. 

t-  Capl.  Shenard.  of  Gen.  Green's  staff,  was  shot  i'vov^  his  horse  by  a 
Minie  ball  as  inT  w.;s  conveying  ordors  fi^^sj^tlie  General  across  the- 
field  to  GciU.  Major,  on  the  left.  "^  iL  '  •     {>  '?   \.'SA   "t'  ^  n  f 

"liest  in  peace,  bravo  warrior,  ii  ^^^  A  '  '''~ 

TLy  diiy  of  strife  is  o'er  ;  0'''%J^^Sk^. •  -t. 

Tlio  ciaiig  oi  arms,  the  cannon's  peal,  <y^      ''^%^i 
Sbail  rouse  thee  tip  no  more."        S-%fit1^-\I^r 

Gapt.  Chalmers,  of  our  Division,  also  fell  .while  in  the  nou!e  di.s- 
eharge  of  his  duty,  and  now  tills  a  hero's  grave.  Peace  to  his  a.shos  ! 
Pages  could  be  filled  in  speaking  of  those  who  fell  on  this  noted  fiel^i. 
John  Porter  here  fell,  a  more  devout  man  than  whom  Would  be  hard  to 
find.  Col.  Herbert  fell  mortally  wounded  iu  the  first  part  of  the  en- 
gagement. Space  has  now  become  an  all  important  object  to  the  author. 
And  now  for  the 

BATTLE  OF  PLEASAHT  HILL. 

On  the  night  of  the  8th,  and  while  our  army  were  all  restiijg  from 
the  labors  of  the  day,  some  finding  coiafort  in  ministfirie.g  to  the  wants 
of  our  wounded,  the  enemy  retreated  from  Young's  Mill,  where  they 
Avere  left,  to  Pleasant  Kill,  some  ten  miles  distant.  Daybreak  of  the 
morning  of  the  9th  found  our  Brigade  in  their  saddles  and  on  tiie  go. 
Coming  to  Young's  ilill,  Madison's  Ilegiment  was  ordered  to  the 
front,  and  marching  in  a  fast  gait  the  enemy's  rear  was  quickly  found, 
and  duly  "pressed."  H(!  drove  them  to  within  one  mile  of  the  town  of 
Pleasant-  Hill,  capturing;  many  prisoners  and  much  baggage  on  the 
road,  xit  this  place  he  found  the  enemy  in  force  in  a  shong  natural 
position.  A  halt  was  made,  and  iu  a  few  moments  the  other  cavalry 
commands  arrived.  First,  iu  order,  came  DeBray's  Brigade  and  Bu- 
chel's  command,  who  by  order  of  Gen.  Major  were  deployed  in  line  of 
battle  ou  the  right  of  tlie  road.  Next  came  Lane's  Brigade,  who  iu 
turn  were  assigned  to   a  position  on  the  left  of  DeBray.     In  a  short 


so  A  11 ISTUKY  UF  Till-: 

tjnip  Gen.  Greeu  nrnvcd.  B.-inj^  undi-r  orders  fro:n  Gen.  T;iylor,  ho 
could  do  no  more  than  to  "fei-l  arotind,"  which  lie  did  by  ordciinij  the 
VirPt  IttginK  nt,  under  Col.  lljrmpton,  to  f!ie  iVont,  with  dirt'ctions  to 
find  the  eiiemy's  force  in  tlu-  liold  to  our  li^'iit,  which  wa?  done,  llar- 
<ieuian  was  ordered  to  take  h;.-^  conii.'\and  and  Terrell's  llegiment  and 
proceed  to  tho  extreme  right  v.in-;,  and  as  our  infantry  was  brous^ht, 
into  action  to  ch.u-ge  the  emniy's  left  wing  atd  turn  it.  This  order 
wjis  being  e.'Cecuted,  when  a  largo  cavalry  force  of  the  enemy  was  dis- 
tuvered,  with  several  pieces  of  artillery,  working  their  w.iy  to  our  rear 
by  a  road  leadii;gfrom  Pleasant  Hill  to  the  Sahino  river,  v.'hicii  coluuiu 
had  already  gotten  far  in  our  rear.  The  battle  was  now  progressiijg  fr>- 
voiably  for  us.  Green,  with  the  dismounted  cavalry  haJ'charged  and 
driven  back  the  enemy's  ri-rbt  win;,'.  Parsons,  with  the  f.iissouri 
troojjs,  in  our  centre,  were  driving  everything  before  them.  Just  at 
this  juncture,  A.  J.  Smith,  with  his  two  reserve  corps  (the  Ifth  and 
;iud  17th)  arrived.  They  v.ere  thrown  against  our  right  and  centre,  un- 
der Churchill.  The  shock  was  too  great.  Ten  to  one  thy  could  not 
stand  ;  and  back  they  came,  to  f>e  rallied  no  more  that  evening.  Ilar- 
deuian,  with  Terrell's  Keginieut  and  his  own  command,  had  formed 
bthind  a  feuc?,  where  they  endeavored  to  rally  our  Hying  infantry,  but 
to  no  avail.  The  long-  columns  of  blue-coats,  with  banners  flying, 
uruins  beating,  and  glittering  ba3'onets,  as  the  last  rays  of  the  evening- 
sun  s'.ioiie  upon  them,  was  truly  as  beautiful  to  behold  as  it  was  fright- 
ful to  think  of.  AYliLn  within  eighty  yards  of  the  posiMouJield  by 
Col.  Hardeman,  his  eoniMiand  lired,  which  volley  broughtto  the  ground 
many  a  haughty  invader.  In  a  moment  and  the  earth  fairly  (|uaked 
■\/ilh  the  report  of  the  terrific  volley  of  musketry  the  enemy  discharged 
at  our  men  ;  then,  suiting  the  action  to  the  word,  they  came  at  double- 
quick  with  "charage  bayonets,"  but  their  game  was  not  bagged.  Har- 
deman quickly  rallied  the  major  portion  of  his  command  some  six  hun- 
dred yards  distant  from  where  they  were  routed  ;  all  f  o  no  use,  for  still 
they  came.  To  those  on  our  light  it  appeared  that  the  day  was  lost, 
lost  irretrievably  tu  us  ;  but  not  so.  Gen.  Green  was  there.  Walker's 
old  division  held  their  grouml,  until  the  darkness  of  the  night  covered 
th(!  retreat  of  the  enemy,  who,  as  it  appears  since,  were  much  more 
worsted  than  ns. 

April  10th,  and  we  were  on  tlie  uarch  for  Peareal  Island,  ahovo 
Natchitoches.  Cros.^ing  the  bayou  by  that  name  on  the  niglit  of  the 
11th,  in  a  skirmish,  some  ten  or  tv.elvo  of  our  boys  Aveiv  made  prison- 
ers. Bcigby  commanded  on  this  expedition.  Nothing  worthy  of  note 
■was  accomplished. 

On  the  morning  of  the  lolli,  after  we  had  crossed  back  to  the  main 
land,  we  heard  the  result  of  the  heavy  cannonading  that  we  had  heard 
on  thop'-evious  day.  It  vras  at  IHair's  Landing,  where  the  lamented 
end  idolized  Tjio.mas  Guebn  v,as  killed.  The  reception  of  this  sad 
news  was  the  cause  of  many  a  tear  to  bo  shed,  notwithstanding  many 
«t  first  refused    to  believe  wiiat  by    them  was   termed  "the  report  of 


OLD  SIBLF.YB  iilGADE.  81 

of  Greon'^  de>atli."  It  was  not  Ion***,  however,  before  (he  report  v»-a.s 
tally  coiijlrmHl.  Tiiis  was  our  dark  day.  None  felt- the  loss  of  iiim  so 
keenlv  as  did  his  old  Brigade.  No  one  mourned  it  more  than  did  the 
(JomTuaudiug  Cxinieral,  who,  iii  th;3  lullnoss  i)f  his  heart,  issued  the  fol- 
lowing : 

IlBADQUARTKnS    DtSTRICT    WeSTGRN    LoUISIAN.A,  ^ 

Mansfield,  La.,  April  13,  18G1.  ) 

Gknk:;M.   OkdKRS,  ) 
No. .  ) 

Soldiers — A  chief  has  falh>n.  A  warrior  of  warriors  Ijas  gone  to 
his  home.  On  the  12th  inJ^t.  f^'ll  Thomas  Green.  After  braving  death 
a  thousand  times,  the  destroyer  found  him,  where  he  was  ever  Wont  to 
be.  in  the  front  line  of  b  ittlo.  His  spirit  has  flown  to  the  happy  lioino 
of  heroes,  where  the  kindred  spirit  of  Alfred  ^[outoA  awaited  it. 
T'lroughout  broad  Texas,  throughout  desolated  Louisiana,  mourning 
will  sa 'den  every  hearth.  Great  is  the  loss  to  family  and  friends; 
nuicli  greater  is  the  loss  to  this  army  and  to  me.  Fur  many  weary 
months  these  two  have  served  with  me.  Against  the  storm  of  battle  ; 
by  the  lonely  camp  lire  ;  at  the  solitary  oiatpost,  my  heart  has  learned 
to  love  them.  Tlieir  families  shall  be  as  mine  ;  their  friends,  my 
friends.  To  have  been  their  beloved  frieud  and.  trusted  commander  is 
the  hi,rhest  earthly  honor  I  can  ever  attain. 

Soldiers  !  the  fall  of  these  heroes  shall  not  be  iu  vain.  Inspired 
by  such  example,  this  army  will  achieve  great  things.  Moistened  by 
the  blood  of  .M msfitOd,  Pleasant  Hill  and  Blair's  Landing,  the  tree  of 
national  ind.'pendence  will  grow  apac  s  and  soon  overshadow  the  land 
so  that  all  may  repose  iu  peace  under  it.=!  grateful  shade.  The  memory 
of  our  glorious  dead  is  a  rich  legacy  to  future  geuoiations,  and  their 
names  will  be  remembered  as  the  chosen  heroes  and  martyrs  of  the 
chivalric  Southern  race. 

The  colors  of  the  cavalry  corps  of  this  ra-my  will  be  draped  for 
thirty  days,  in  memory  of  the  late  heroic  commander. 

R.  TAY[.OR, 

Maj.  C{en.  Commanding. 

WEEP,   TEXANS,   WEEP. 

Lines  ia  nici:ii»L-y  of  J>laj.  Cieai.  TEsos.  Grceaa,  who  \x'as 
struck  in  tltc  forehead  by  a  sliiell  frozsi  tSie  enemy's 
suuboiit,  Cliacls.  Uawk,  wSaicii  resulted  in  iiis  ^lume- 
diatc  death,  April  l*.ltli.  3864. 

RY    LOCDON    B.  WARD,  CO.  R,  SEVF..\TH  RVM.  TKX.  CAV. 


Weep,  Texans,  weep  !  your  own  loved  chief  lies  low,, 
Whose  voice  oft  cheered  while  'mid  the  camion's  glow  ; 
That  voice,  well  known,  no  more  will  gre<  t  the  ear, 
Wnich  always  filled  the  fo«mo;i'8  ranks  with  fear. 


S:>  A  IILSTUKT  UV  'illk: 

Weep.  Texans,  weep!  for  our  soul-cherishod  fircen 
Ko  more  will  be  Tvlien'  lieaitlePS  foes  are  seen  : 
Hits  (oweriiij::  form,  eutramiup:  to  the  eye, 
"Will  lead  no  more  to  certain  victory. 

Weep,  Texans,  weep  !  our  briglitest  star  is  gone, 
'Mid  the  dark  tempest,  wbile  the  war  clouds  yav.n  : 
•Its  rays  so  proudly  shone  amid  the  jjloom, 
That  darkling  fear  had  net  the  smallest  room. 

Weep,  Texans,  M-eep  !  let  manhood  slied  a  tear 
For  one  so  noble — to  his  men  so  dear — 
For  sorrow's  fount  to  lowest  depth  i.s  stirred, 
While  feeling  sobs  on  every  side  are  heard. 

Weep,  Texans,  weep  !  tlie   soldier  dares  to  weep, 
While  round  the  camp  fire  he  his  vigils  keep  ; 
In  mournful  wliispers  he  delights  to  tell 
The  virtues  of  the  chief  he  loved  so  well. 

Weep,  Texniis,  weep  !  our  matrons  freely  pour 
The  briny  drops  Within  their  darkened  door ; 
From  breaking  hearts  low  wails  now  constant  flow. 
And  bills  and  vales  their  accents  sadly  know. 

Weep,  Texans,  "weep !  our  maidens'  eyes  are  red 
From  constant  weeping  for  their  idol — dead  : 
Their  lirro's  gone — he  who  was  all  their  trust — 
Their  hopes  lie  shattered,  trailing  in  the  dust. 

Weep,  Texans,  weep  !   our  bayou  sister's  breast 
Is  deeply  moved  ;  her  torn  heart  finds  no  rest  : 
Uer  noble  !Mouton  found  with  Green  a  grave, 
And  she  with  us  now  mourns  each  others'  bravo. 

Weep,  Texans,  weep  !  a  nation  wide  does  mourn 
Its  brave  ones  slain,  whose  patriot  hearts  did  burn  ; 
But  greater  sorrow  cannot  find  a  place 
Thau  for  our  Green,  the  bravest  of  our  race. 

From  where  the  Brigade  crossed  Pearcal  bayou  it  went  to  tho  Dou- 
ble Bridges,  where  for  two  days  it  layed  on  its  oars,  awaiting  some- 
thing to  turn  lip,  which  was  quickly  dune,  though  not  so  soon  as  it 
would  have  been  had  Green  been  living. 

Major's  Division  was  brought  within  striking  distance  of  Natchi- 
toches on  the  19th.  On  the  2Uth  a  reorgaiiizatiim  of  (he  cavalry  com- 
mands was  partly  made.  Bagby,  who  had  been  commanding  our  Brig-' 
adti  often  within  the  last  year,  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  a  brig- 


OLD  SIBLET  BRIGADE.  «8 

ade  in  Bee's  Division)  and  Col.  Hardeman  wns  placed  permanently  in 
command  of  this  Brigade.  Heroat'ter  it  Avill  be  known  to  the  reader — 
as  it  is  now  to  the  world— ^as  Hardeman's  Brigade.  Gen.  Bee  was 
placed  in  command  of  the  cavalry  corps,  with  orders  to  march  with  hia 
(the  1st)  division  and  Major's  (the  2d)  to  Monett's  Ferry,  on  Old  river, 
hy  way  of  Natchitoches,  which  place  the  enemy  were  reported  as 
liaving  evacuated  on  the  pre^'ious  day. 

Accordingly,  on  the  evening  of  the  20th,  with  fonr  days  half  ra- 
tions, the  line  of  march  was  taken  up  at  12  o'clock  on  that  night.  The 
«nemy  were  found  to  be  yet  in  Natchitoches,  when  the  head  of  our 
column  turned  a  littlo  to  the  right  and  struck  the  road  leading  from 
that  place  t<»  Alexandria,  by  the  way  of  Monett's  Ferry.  This  placed 
us  in  their  resr  on  the  road  that  they  would  have  to  trav<?l,  should  they 
attempt  to  make  a  retreat — a  thing  altogether  y-t^t  undecided. 

On  the  morning  of  the  21st,  the  enemy  were  reported  following  us 
with  their  entire  force,  having  evacuated  Grand  Fcore.  Their  rear 
was  being  closely  pressed  by  Gen.  Polignac's  infantry  division  and 
three  brigades  of  cavalry,  ur.der  Maj.  Gen.  John  A,  Wharton,  who  had 
been  assigned  to  duty  as  Chief  of  Cavalry  in  this  district  after  the 
death  of  Gen.  Green.  By  making  a  forced  march  of  25  or  30  miles, 
we  reached  the  ferry  that  evening.  Every  preparation  was  made  to 
give  the  enemy's  advance  a  desperate  fight  as  they  came  to  this  cross- 
ing, which,  owing  to  the  low  stage  of  water,  was  fordable.  Woi)d's 
llegiment  was  left  behind  to  protect  our  rear  and  bring  on  the  engage- 
inent.  On  the  next  morning  the  enemy  commenced  advancing  briglit 
and  early.  They  drove  our  men  (Capt.  Millet,  of  Wood's  Regiment, 
commanding)  slowly  before  them,  until  within  900  yards  of  the  cross- 
iug,  when  a  most  desperate  engagement  ensued  between  some  hniidred 
and  fifty  of  our  men  and  their  advance,  treble  our  numbers,  our  men 
fighting  most  gallantly. 

The  enemy's  skirmish  line  was  being  heavily  reinforced,  when 
Capt.  Millett  ordered  his  men  to  retreat  iu  panic  stylo,  aud  as  though 
by  magic,  scarcely  had  our  men  safely  gotten  out  of  danger  under  the 
bank  of  the  river,  the  artillery  bugle  sounded  "fire,"  which  was  done, 
for  a  few  moments  with  such  spirit  that  one  could  scarcely  distinguish 
the  sounds  of  the  different  pieces  as  they  fired,  first  with  grape  lid  can- 
ister, then  with  shell.  At  this  time  our  Brigade  formed  the  ri  lit  wing. 
Learning  that  the  enemy  had  effected  a  crossing  some  four  or  five  miles 
ubovo  on  the  river,  and  that  they  were  advancing  on  our  side  in  heavy 
columns.  Gen.  Bee  ordered  our  Brigade  to  the  left  to  support  Lane's 
and  Wood's  against  the  overwhelming  numbers  of  the  enemy  that  were 
coming  against  them.  Scarcely  had  this  move  been  made  ere  tlio 
General  was  informed  that  the  enemy,  with  several  transports,  had  land- 
ed GuUO  in  his  rear  on  Red  river,  and  that  they  (the  6000)  were  then 
making  a  forced  march  in  the  direction  of  his  horses.  Just  at  this  mo- 
ment the  enemy  in  our  front  were  coming  up  to  our  stronghold  in  fiivo 
ordyr.     Having;  bo«ii  twico  repulsed,  this  time  they  came  iu  solid  col- 


t 


SI  A  iriSTOKY  OF  'J  ![!•: 

-.  "as  thoiitrli  tbi'v  wcro  in   r.irnest."     They   v/oiilil  have  hccu  u^- 
,i  v«  itliout  a  doubt  hail   ir   not   been   Icr  tlio  oid^M-s  th:it  were  r«'- 
fcivccl  at  lliat  moiaeut  to  retnvit,   which   ordor  was  issued  in  coJis**- 
«-iu.!ncf>i  of  tlic  supposed  ndv.-.no:'  ixom  our  rear. 

Many  alt;ich  lihime  to  (Jen.  Hce  for  not  doir;?  more  tlian  \\j-,s  dcvr 
at  this  place,  which  ho  would  havt*  donu  had  it  not  heen  lor  the  villain- 
ous lie  that  some  of  his  scoiit.^  told  him  which  at  llie  time  w^.a  admi.- 
sabh',  ks  Budli  a  move  on  tte  part  of  the  enemy  was  expected.  Many 
aecu.>ed  (Jen.  Bee  very  wror.f^i'ully  iu  this  affair. 

Uur  retreat  from  the  river  commenced  .'iLcut  4  o'elcck  P.  >>.,  and 
aiter  travelin}^  thirty-tluee  miles  we  haUeil  for  one  day,  havirj;  met  our 
commissary  train,  under  Maj.  Brown.  On  the  next  day,  Ajiril  .'jlith, 
we  were  again  en  route  for  the  front.  At  Janus'  Store,  on  Bayou  Co- 
iile,  the  enemy's  rear  was  overtaken.  A  skirmish  ensued,  Lut  without 
much  succe.^s,  only  that  ili  •  enemy  wer,-»  forced  to  fall  back  al'ler  lu:ru- 
iiijT  everytliinp:  in  that  n»'i;;!iborhood.  On  the  >9th  they  were  driven  • 
to  iMcNutt's  Hill,  live  miles  be3'ond  whicli  nnolher  desix-ratolioht  was 
made,  in  which  onr  Brijfaile  and  Parsons'  did  the  chief  work.  On  the 
next  day  Poli.2:nac's  iiifa^itry,  to^.-th<'r  with  our  arfillery,  arrived,  and 
the  cavalry  was  atiain  sent  forward.  3I;ijoi-'s  Division  was  sent  l^i 
Cheneyville,  with  onhvs  to  procoed  from  thence  to  ilod  riveu,  and 
again  try  our  haud.s  in  tno  enemy's  ixar.  •  m        ;. 

On  the  lat  day  of  May,  Stone's,  Lane's  and  P>ajlor'R  Res'imeuiR 
were  sent  over  on  the  "river.  Oapt.  Alexander'acompnny,  of  tne  First 
Regiment,  was  sent  in  advance,  Madison's  Begiment  bringin;;:  u])  tbe 
rear.  TLa  U.  8.  transport  Iv.nma,  loaded  with  cotton  and  bound  lor 
New  OrU-ana.was  captured,  with  9()  prisoners,  and  an  amount  of  the 
"creeter."  The  boat  had  to  be  de.stroyefl  before  ail  of  its  valuables 
couid  be  saved.  Gen.  !M::jor  and  0(d.  Jiardemaa,  Avith  parts  of  both 
brigades,  made  annther  haul  on  the  3d,  in  the  enplure  ol'anotlier  trans- 
port, the  City  B^'ile.  Again,  on  the  .'ith,  a  largor  one  was  m;ide  in  the 
capture  of  two  gunboats,  a>os.  3  and  2G,  of  the  so-called  J\losquito  i'lei-t, 
and  another  transport  loaded  with  cotton,  the  John  Wurner,  all  of 
which  we  were  coujpelI<^d  to  burn,  not  however  until  three  of  the  bett 
guns  on  the,  boat.-^,  tog'.ther  with  all  the  annnuniiion,  were  saved.  By  ^ 
this  captme  v/e  tenilicd  tye  enemy  at  Aiexandna  inscunucii  that  no 
further  atteaapts  were  made  by  tkem  to  open  communication  witii  their 
base  at  New  Orh-^aus.  The  above  was  uoqh  at  tjmith's  Lnnding,  20 
miles  below  Alexandria.  ,,..  i 

At  Alexandria  the  ciie:i\y  were  r(  ported  as  being*6n  short  rations. 
His  licet  was  abovo  tie  laWs.  Oco-half  of  his  army  was  busily  en- 
g:!ged  in  throwing  up  entrenchineiits,  while  the  other  half  were  en- 
gaged in  building  a  dam  or  dyko  on  the  falls,  by  which  t lit;  water 
could  be  raised  high  ouou;j,li  to  pi-iuut  the  fleet  to  pass  over.  'I'his 
herculean  job  was  complett  J,  and  the  boats  were  all  pussod  safely  over 
oju  the  I  lib  of  May.  On  tiio  next  day  they  conuuenced  the',  retreat. 
-On  the  Cth  the  enemy,  lO.UOU  strong,  under  A.  J.  JSmitb,  caau^  out  in 


OLD  SI13LEY  r.JllGADE.  S5 

llio  diri^ction  of  Clieneyvillrt.  W;;  \v(M'e  orJen^d  to  Gen.  I>(h^'.s  relief  on 
the  !ii<j;lit  of  the  Gtli,  and  after  making  a  forced  march  of  29  miles  on 
that  nip;l)t,  we  reached  Leconiptc,  where  Gen.  IJee's  headquarters  wcri". 
Shortly  alter  arriving-  there,  ZUaj.Gen.  Polignac's  divit^ion  of  infantry 
was  bronjrht  u}».  On  the  mnvuina;  of  the  7th  the  enemy  were,  reported 
still  adva^icing.  >  .en.  liagby  was  placed  in  coumiand  of  the  front,  a\  ith 
his  brij;"ade  in  Bee's  Division  and  our  brigade,  under  Lt.  Col.  Hampton. 
Advancini;  up  the  railroad,  or.e  mile,  Ave  were  dissmounted  (the  SefO)ul 
Ke<<iment,  Milh  tln^  exception  of  Companies  C  and  G,  were  under  Col. 
Hardeman  on  our  left,  supporting;  the  Val  Verde  Battery)  and  marched 
forward  some  half  a  mile,  when,  quite  unexpected  to  us  we  were  thrown 
into  battle  li.ue,  and  iu  that  way  advarced  on  tin*  line  formed  by  Bee's 
Division.  Here  it  was  that  the  first  demonstration  of  the  presence  of 
an  enemy  met  otir  ears.  The  firinj?  of  our  skirmishers  told  plainly 
that  they  were  near.  Twe-thirds  of  our  Brigade  were  sent  to  the  front, 
under  Ca])t.  (^rosson  ;  the  balaijce  Avere  posted,  under  Col.  Jiamptun 
and  Maj.  Leasure,  as  a  reserve,  by  Gen.  Bagby.  Gen.  Poligiiac  ar- 
riving in  person,  a  forward  move  was  ordered.  The  advance  column, 
under  Col.  Terrell,  charged  forward  some  SOO  yards,  and  on  coming  to 
thrt  i'xlf^^t^  of  a  field,  they  saw  a  battle  line  of  the  enemy's  cavaliy, 
M'liich  the  Colonel  ordered  the  men  to  charge.  At  this  moment  a  column 
oi  the  enemy's  infantry  sprang  from  A  ditch  in  which  they  had  been 
concealed,  and  tired  a  most  terrific  volley  into  our  ranks.  Thetaiemy's 
force  was  estimat-d  at  8000  strong.  Surely  it  was  that  the  AUwise 
lluler  directed  the  enemy's  aim  on  this,  occatiion,  else  more  of  our  men 
would  have  been  killed  than  there  was.  Our  columns  were  thrown  in- 
to great  confusion,  falling  back  on  the  reserve,  when  they  were  rallied 
and  taken  to  their  horses.  Tiie  eueui}',  as  might  be  expected,  advanced 
with  yells  loud  enough  to  a;jprise  our  reserve,  who  were  lying  low  be- 
hind an  embankment  that  they  were  near.  On  coming  up  to  v,  ilhiu 
close  range,  a  volley  was  poured  into  their  ranks,  which,  together  witu 
I^Hie  shouts  raised  by  our  boya,  had  the  desired  effect  of  not  >'uly  check- 
ing their  further  advances  but  also  making  them  fly  from  beibre  us  as 
though  they  had  "caught  a  tartar."  In  this  affaij:.  our  loss  was  not 
very  heavy,  while  that  of  the  enemy  was  considerable.  D;rkness  si- 
lenced thj  batlle.  We  bivonaeed  on  the  field.  That  ni^ht  tlu^  enemy 
retreated  to  Alexandria  with  their  infantry,  leaving  their  cavaliy,  near 
3000  strong,  to  protect  their  rear. 

Daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  8th  found  us  iu  our  saddle,s.  The 
enemy  were  driven  with  but  little  fighting.  At  3  P.  IM  we  niceived  or- 
ders to  return  to  the  river.  After  traveling  all  night  Ave  reaphed 
Smith's  Lauding  abcut  daybieik  en  the  morning  of  the  9th.  On  that 
day,  i»s  Avell  as  the  lOlh  and  11th,  we  rested  from  our  labors. 

On  the  12lh  Ave  received  information  that  the  enemy  Avere  advanc- 
ing, and  that  he  had  succeeded  in  getting  his  entire  fleet  over  the  falls. 
The  fleet  couiiistod  of  eight  gunboats  of  the  largest  class  and  ^-Icven  of 
a  smaller  caliL-re,  and  twenty-three  transporte.     Ou  the  cv«!aing  of  the 


so  A  llI.SToKY  or  THi: 

12th  (It'll.  WL;u-to:i  dispntclifil  to  us  tii.it  the  enfinv  IiaJ  buraeil  ami 
t?vacur.teJ  Alrxamlria,  ami  that  th«y  wtrv  inarchinp:  iu  ch>S(i  hodv 
dowu  on  tlie  wi^st  banic  ot  tli<-  river,  supported  by  the  Uoet.  On  the 
liiorninj:  of  the  13th  his  advaiic  readied  Stafford's  phantation.  Here 
the  First  Ueiriment,  under  Cv\.  Jlampton,  met  them,  about  3  o'clock  P. 
M.  A  desperate  <ajeoaiiter  ensued.  Wo  had  several  wounded  in  a 
very  short  time,  some  of  whou)  afterwards  died.  Falling  back  at  sun- 
down, w«  again  biv«»uace(l.  Not  a  man  belonging;  to  the  Brigade 
closed  his  eyes  in  slumber  that  night.  Early  dawn  of  the  11th  found  us 
iu  line  of  battle,  confronting  one-  of  (he  enetny's  twice  our  length  and 
ten  times  our  number.  A  Warm  skirmish  was  fought  around  the  negro 
liouses  on  Wilson's  plantation.  Our  men  tought  with  deteiTuined  valor, 
but  were  ibrcedjo  give  way  to  overwhelming  numbers,  though  not  in  a 
run,  but  by  inches  at  a  time.  A  part  of  the  First  Regiment,  under 
Mfijor  IlolUnan,  were  placed  iu  ambusb  behind  the  levee.  The  enemy, 
more  drunk^tlian  bold,  discovered  it,  and  with  a  desperation  worthy  of 
a  better  cause,  charged  the  position  that  our  men  had  taken  with  a  cav- 
.•drv  force  of  near  IbOO  well  mounted  and  uisciplined  troops.  Ourforco 
under  ^laj.  Hoffman  did  not  (.'xceed  l?00  men.  Our  men  and  the  enemy 
were  thrown  uU  togetheri  ^  A  run  with  a  "whuop  for  the  lauding"  took 

place. 

A  short  time  previous  to  this  Maj.  McFluiil  was  ordered  with  his 
reo'iment  (the  »Sec«md)  to  proceed  to  a  bridge  on  the  road  leading  from 
theuce  to  Cheneyville,  .on  the  Bosuf.  Ho  was  to  iire  the  bridge,  and 
theJi  take  up  a  position  to  dispute  the  crossing  of  the  enemy  in  that  di- 
rection. kSiiortly  after  arriving  there,  sure  enough  they  came.  "Witii 
the  usual  intrei)id  valor  of  tlio  6eCoud  llegiment,  they  were  quickly  re- 
pulsed and  driven  back  iu  disorder,  insomuch  that  they  never  again  at- 
tempted to  force  a  crossing  of  t'le  bayou  at  this  place.  Thus  they 
Were  checkmated  in  their  intended  tlank  movement  on  our  forces  in 
]\Iarksville  prairie,  via  (.'heneyville  and  Evergreen.  In  the  charge 
ihev  made  on  our  men  under  Maj.  Hoffman,  we  lost  several,  mostly  m 
prisoners,  and  had  it  not   been  lor  the  great  gallantry  displayed  by  a 

i,ecliou  of  Wi'st's  J-ia.  Battery,  under  Lieut. and  Sergeant  Garner, 

our  loss  would  have  been  still  greater. 

Here  the  road  left  the  river  and  passed  through  the  Choctaw 
Swamp,  which  when  gained  by  our  forces,  thj  enemy  came  no  further 
on  that  day.  Bringing  down  their  Ueet  on  that  night,  for  several  hours 
they  shelled  the  woods,  as  though  they  sought  to  "ruinate"  the  timber, 
or  had  an  idea  of  forming  a  solid  bottom  to  the  swamp  by  fragments  of 
fihells  and  cannon  balls. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  loth  our  iorces  were  concentrated  on 
lheed"e*of -Marksville  prairi«>,  or  rather  on  the  edge  of  the  Choctaw 
swamp,  bordering  on  th(!  prairie.  Hero  for  a  few  hours  our  men  enjoy- 
ed peace  and  repose.  At  IU  a.  m.  we  no  longer  heard  the  big  guns  of 
the  fleet.  That  was  ominous  of  a  forward  move  on  the  part  of  the  ene- 
my.    About  2  P.  M.  their  advance  reached   the  edge  of  the  prairio.      A 


OLD  ^IBLET  BEIGA])E  87 

clespernte  hand  to  hanrl  rencontre  took  placo  between  then)  and  somo 
of  Lane's  Brigade,  wlio  were  compelled  to  retire.  Falling  back  upon 
the  battle  line  formed  by  our  Brigade,  they  again  rallied,  and,  all  com- 
bined, wc  gave  them  another  round  or  so.  After  fighting  with  great 
determination  for  some  time,  and  seeing  the  enemy's  infantry  being 
brought  to  tli.^  front  and  their  cavalry  being  sent  to  operate  on  onr 
llanks,  w  '  retired  some  two  «iiles  to  the  rear  of  the  town  of  ^[arksville, 
where  our  artill'My  {2'o  pieces)  was  posted.  Our  line  of  battle  was 
formed  by  O-n.  VVh.irton  and  Gen.  ^lajor,  as  follows  :  Lane's  Brigade 
on  the  left ;  the  artillery,  supported  by  the  Fir.^t  Regiment,  under  Col. 
Hampton,  formed  the  centrft  and  right  wing,  which  rested  on  a  lagoon. 
Not  long  after  our  line  was  thus  formod,  the  enemy  mado  an  advance, 
iu'st  with  their  cayalry  dismounted,  in  which  they  wer^^  easily  repulsed 
by  half  their  numbers  of  ours  and  Lane's  Brigade,  who  were  also  dis^ 
mounted  and  some  .SOO  yards  in  advance  of  our  battle  line.  Seeing 
themselves  thus  drove  from  the  field,  they  lost  no  time  in  bringing  to 
the  front  their  whole  infantry  force —whici  was,  according  to  their  own 
reports,  23,000  slj-ong — to  bear  on  our  right  a)id  centre,  at  the  same 
time  sending  their  cavalry,  7500  strong,  to  operate  against  our  left. 
Sifeing  his  infantry  coming,  our  skinnish  line  gradually  withdrew  be- 
fore them.  The  veterans  of  Lane's  Brigade,  nnder  Baylor  and  Madi- 
son, were  in  their  saddles.  Silence,  a  dread  silence  reigned  supreme  ; 
such  silence  as  is  only  witnessed  before  the  shock  of  a  dreadful  con- 
flict— the  calm  on  the  sea  before  the  storm.  In  an  instant  the  deafen- 
ing roar  of  onr  cannon  grec-ted  our  ears,  as  they  fired  double-shotted 
canister,  in  response  to  the  keen,  clear  sound  of  the  bugle,  which  was 
the  first  thing  to  break  the  stillness  of  the  prairie.  Ere  another  round 
was  fired  the  liiinions  of  desolation  were  Hying  to  their  rear,  as  the 
loud  and  bantering  shouts  of  onr  boys  filled  the  air.  Simultaneously 
with  the  firing  of  our  cannon,  Lau'-'s  Brigade  charged  forward,  forward 
they  boundiid,  regardless  of  the  i.umL»er  before  them.  In  a  moment, 
and  what  1  The  clang  of  arms  !  and  sec  them  flying  !  hear  them  yel- 
ling. Victory  is  ours.  The  sun  is  setting.  The  infantry  are  again 
coming.  Lo  !  sec  yonder — boom,  boom,  an  liundred  times  at  once 
sounded  the  enemy's  artillery,  as  a  broadside  of  thirty-two  pieces  of  ar- 
tillery were  tired  at  once  into  the  ranks  of  Lane's  Brigade.  To  thp 
rescue  !  our  coluqins  are  falling  back.  Now  the  artillery  ceases.  Now 
the  infantry  advance.  Darkness  precludes  the  possibility  of  our  seeing 
more.  Listen  !  hear  the  small  arms ;  sec  the  lightning  flashes  across 
the  prairie.  IIo  !  view  a  desperate;  fight  after  night,  Faster,  louder, 
and  more  sanguinary  the  battle  grows,  until  a  i\>\Y  well  directed  shots 
fired  fi-ora  our  rifle  guns  under  Lieut.  Joyce,  of  West's  La.  Battery, 
drove  them  from  the  field.  Again  we  bivouaced  on  the  field.  The  ta- 
ble of  battles  will  show  the  losses  on  both  sides  in  this  affair. 

Ere  daybreak  on  the   following  raoruing  the  booming  of  our  gijne 
again  called  ug  in  battle  lin«.     On  this  day  waa  foughl  th« 


is  A  TllSTOIlV  OF  THK 

BATTLE  OP  MANSURIA. 

Ritro.itinj:^  from  llie  position  I'lat  v,n  ln-Mcn  lht»  ni^lit  of  tli-  l^tli. 
nt  10  A.  M.  oil  tlu»  morninp:  of  llio  l(3tli  aiiotlinrliiu'of  batrlo  was  tonnml. 
Col.  Ilanlcinan  conunanded  fin;  Division,  Waller  tli.-  Dripjade.  wliioli 
was  )ila:.cd  on  ihe  rijrlit ;  our  artillery  iu  tlio  coiitro,  masked  l»y  l^a^^liy's 
LrijradH,  of  iJee's  1  'ivision,  CDiiimandud  bj  Col.  Terrell ;  Lane's  Brifjndn 
on  llie  left,  with  Polin:n.'ic's  inf.uilr^'' division  as  a  support  to  the  noted 
"Hull  Battery."  The  cnoiny  first  charfjed  Terrell's  line  whh  iutantrv. 
They  jjave  way — na  thej'  were  prt3viously  ordered  to — retiring  in,  ap- 
pirently,  much  confusion  to  thtj  rear  of  our  batteries,  (Mc.Mahon's  and 
the  Val  Verde,)  who  0|M'ned  on  them  with  double-shotted  canister. 
The  en<*my  beinpat  close  raiiu'e,  the  havoc  and  .slaup^hter  in  their  ranks 
v.aspreat.  liepul.sed  i:i  this  manner,  they  quickly  brought  up  tlnir  ar- 
tillery, and  in  but  a  ^aw  moments  twenty-one  pieces  were  i)la\  ing  on  our 
two  batteries.  Scarcely  had  thej-  tired  a  round  ere  a  well  dire.t(-d 
broadside  from  our  riiie  pieces,  under  Lieut.  Joyce,  disabled  three  of 
their  be.st  guns.  For  a  mument  the  lull  in  the  firing  on  the  part  of  tlie 
enemy  was  quite  apparent.  (,>uickly,  however,  it  again  began  with  re- 
newed vigor  on  both  sides.  The  enemy  seeing  their  inability  to  di8' 
ludgy  us,  again  commeirced  a  Hank  move  on  our  Idft  wing,  which  they 
came  near  completing.  Our  Brigade  was  ordered  from  its  position  cm 
the  extreme  right  to  the  extreme  left  wing,  which  order  was  executed 
with  all  promjjtne.'^s  and  dis[)atch.  Moving  across  the  prairie  right  iu 
front  and  in  full  view  of  the  enemy,  we  were  their  target  at  artillery 
firing  for  near  one  mile.  Forty-two  different  pieces  fired  on  us  as  wei 
were  making  this  move.  Arriving  on  the  left  of  our  batteries,  we  saw 
the  Yaukt  es  eoming — 

"Wo  hoard  thom  p^ivo  thp  yoll ; 
My  loelings  no  tongiio  can  ever  tell."' 

With  hellish  yells  and  glittering  blades  they  came,  as  though  demons 
incarnate  could  not  resist  them  in  their  cavalry  charge,  which  truly 
looked  frightful.  In  the  lapse  of  a  few  seconds  w.' met  tlnm.  Although 
they  in  numbers  were,  two  to  our  one,  arm;- 1  with  the  best  weapons  of 
in')dern  war:aro,  and  we  with  nothing  but  long  JGn field  riHes  ;  yet  we 
repuLsed  them.  Thus  our  artillery  was  saved  by  (he  gallantry  of  the 
men  under  ('ol.  Walb'r,  Capts.  Crosson  and  IVilly  McDade.  (ien. 
AVhait.)n,  who  was  on  the  fiehl,  encourage  ;  his  troops  no  little  by  iiis 
intrejjid  valor  and  good  generalship  disjdayed  in  the  mauanivering  of 
th'Mii.  lie  ordered  Col.  Waller  to  hidd  his  p  »sition  until  the  artillery 
could  be  taken  from  off  the  held.  The  enemy  seeing  that  all  attempts 
to  dislodge  us  by  direct  assault  was,  and  would  be,  fruitless,  brought 
up  their  artillery,  and  for  twenty-five  minutes  the  First  Reg'ment  and 
Wallt-r's  Battalion  stood  under  one  of  the  most  terrific  .and  galling  cnjss- 
fires  from  nineteen  nf  the  enemy's  long-ranged  rifle  Parrot  guns,  planted 
not  over  800  yard.?  fmm  them.     The  enemy  had  not  only  a  point  blank 


OLD  SIBLl^Y  BKIGADE.  89 

rr.nge  ol"  us,  but  also  a  good  view.  Scarcely  a  slu;!!  wais  thrown  by 
them  but  "vvhat  bursted  in  our  vtry  midst.  Hero  for-  the  first  time  iu 
the  nnnjils  of  modern  history  men  formed  themselves  and  fought  wilh  a 
desperation  excelled  ordy  l^y  the  Spartans  at  Thermopylaj.  Tliis  day 
will  long  be  remembered  by  every  participant  as  being  thu  hottest  ar- 
tillery duel  that  they  hr,d  ever  witne.'-sed. 

I3y  being  overwhelmed — not  whipped — we  v.'ero  compelled  to  leave 
the  load  leading  to  Simmspoit,  on  tho  Atchafulaya,  for  which  the 
enemy  had  fought  so  stubbornly,  and  take  tho  right  hand  one  leading 
to  Evergreen. 

■' •  On  tho  morning  of  the  17th  Waller's  Battalion  and  a  [lart  of  t^io 
Second  Regiment,  under  Capls.  Blair  and  Terrell,  dashed  into  the  lit- 
tle toAvn  of  3Iovoville  and  captured  fifty-six  prisuners,  one  lieutenant 
coloufl,  two  majors,  and  eight  other  officers. 

THE  BATTLE  OF  YELLCW  BAYOU 

Was  fought  on  the  18th.  Of  this  battle  I  am  not  prepared  to  say 
much,  as  I  wn.s  not  a  participant.  It  was  fought  by  Gen.  Wharton's 
directions,  and  the  result  goes  to  prove  that  it  was  one  of  "'those 
things"  which  will  occur  iu  the  course  of  human  events.  I  refer  the 
reader  to  the  table  of  battles  for  further  information.  Gen.  Wharton,  I 
liave  been  told,  attaches  no  blame  to  any  one  for  the  mishap.  To  say 
that  T/e  were  badly  whipped  and  worsted,  would  not  be  giving  alto- 
gether a  ti'ue  version  of  the  affair.  I  know  not  but  what  tho  enemy  los-t 
jis  many  both  iu  killed  and  wounded  as  Vi'e  did.  Tho  figures  given  iiL 
my  table  are  from  the  Yankee  papers.  I  never  was  able  to  seo  our  ofli- 
cial  report  of  this  engagement,  therefore  I  canuot  say  that  I  amcxactly 
correct  iu  my  statement.  It  was  reported  that  Gen.  Smith,  the  Federal 
commander,  was  placed  under  arrest  for  making  the  fight,  tlio  truth  of 
which  I  canuot  vouch  for. 

After  picketing  around  on  Bayou  de  Glaizo  and  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Simmsport,  we  were  moved  out  on  B;jyou  Cane,  vrheru  for  a  few 
days  we  luxuriated  on  the  fat  of  the  land,  v/hich  had  been  left  by  other 
armies — mostly  cane  for  horses,  and  cotbiug  for  man  unless  it  was  got 
bj'  cutting  cypress  trees,  which  would  measure  ten  feet  in  diameter,  t« 
find  nothing  but  a  nest  of  yellow  jackets,  instead  of  bees,  and  if  bees, 
^vithout  honey. 

Some  timt^  in  the  first  of  June  our  Brigade  was  moved  to  the  Boauf, 
a  few  miles  above  Washington.  Here  is  where  I  left  them,  and  Avill 
now  go  across  the  Atchaf'alaya,  on  Bayou  Grosso  Tete,  to  fee  after 
('apt.  McAnelly's  scout  company,  aa  well  as  Capt.  Alf.  Thurmond's 
company,  of  the  Third  Kegiment,  on  the  enemy's  flanks,  around  liud 
Kivcr  Landing. 

Capt.  ^IcAneliy,  iu  the  campaign  in  New  Mexico,  was  a  private  in 
the  Second  Kegiment.  For  his  daring  g.dhnitry  on  many  occasions  ton 
numerous  to  mention,  ho  w.as  nron.ot«d  by  f!  ct  c'rief  of  chirftnns.  Gen/ 


:h»  a  HiSTOliY  OF  'iiii: 

(ireeu.  to  a  captain  el  scouts.     For  bis  iiifnpiil  valor,  1ip  won  the  liigli- 
OFt  conlidence  of  both  soldier  and  officer.     At  tbe   takinj^;  of  Bra.sbear 
City  tbe  yomig  captain — for  be  it<  only   ilO   years  old — witba  party  of 
some  fifteen  or  twenty  men,  made   a  demonstration  on  a  Yankee  fjarri- 
f^on,  numbering  3S0  men,  ami  by   bis  skillful  niantvuvring  tbey  were 
all  m.ide  prisoners.     Ap^ain,  somewbere  on  tbe  l.afourcbe.  be  made  an- 
oLber  large  capture  in  tbe  same  way.     Wbile  at  Virginia  Point  be  was 
autborized  to  raise  a  company  in  tbe  same  way  tbat  tbe  Val  Verde  was 
raised— by  baving  men  transferred  from  tbe  Brigade.     He  was  not  long 
in  completing  bis  company,  baving  to  refuse  many  applicants.     At  tbe 
battle  of  Mansfield  he  was  severely  wounded,  anil  tbe  comisand  of  the 
company  devolved  upon   bis   lieutenants.  Stone  and    IMtls,  men  of  gal- 
lantry, wbo,  like  tbe  captain,  were  promoted  for  meritorious  conduct. 
At  tbe  battle  of  Pleasant  llill  tbe  company  did  noble  duty,  each  mem- 
ber making  bimself  a   bero.     At   Blair's  Landing    tbey  were  again  on 
tbe  field.     Then  afterwards,  as  scouts,   around   tbe  enemy's  encamp- 
ment at  Grand  Ecore,  tbey  did   most  noble   service.     AVitb  Gen.  Bee. 
at  Monett's  Ferry,  tbey  were   tbe   first  to   inform  bim  tbat  tbe  enemy 
w.TS  crossing  the  river  above  tbe   position   tbat  be  bad  taken  for  them. 
Dodging  the  enemy's  rear  and  iront  whilst  tbe  command  was  on  the  re- 
treat, tlit^y  again   (iistingui.sbed  themselves.     Tbey  were  constantly  in 
their  saddles — more  so  {x^rliaps   than  any  other  command — during  the 
whole  retreat  up  to  the  battle  of  Yellow  Bayou.     A  few  days  after  this 
battle  Capt.  McAnelly,  baving  recuperated  from  tbe  wounds  received  at 
Mansfield,  joined  hi:5  company,  and    was  ordered   to  cross  the  Atchafa- 
laya  and  proceed  to  the  J^afourche  country,  and  report  what  the  Y'an- 
kees  were  doing  there.     Shortly  afterwards  Capt.  Thurmond,  with  bis 
company  of  tbe  'I'bird  Regiment,  was  ordered  to   cross  tbe  same  stream 
and  watch  the  enemy's  encampment  at   tbe  mouth  of  Red  river.     Col. 
iiladi.'^on  was  ordered   with  his  regiment  to   cross  at  Morgan's  Ferry, 
and  picket  tbe  enemy's  camp  at  Morganza.     Thuy  (tbe  enemy)  "doubled 
team'"  on  bim  in  his  encampment,  near  where  tbe  battle  of  Fordoche 
was  fought,  and  a  running  fight  ensued,  the  Colonel  retreating  in  the 
direction  of  Baj'ouGrosseTete,  knowing  that  he  could  not  get  out  safe  by 
going  back  tbe  way  be  went  in,  in  consequence  of  there  being  no  artil- 
lery at  the  crossing  to  protect  bim — truly   an  oversight.     He  fought  as 
best  be  could  as  be   retreated  at   a  rapid  rale.     After  swimming  many 
small   bayous,  by   which  bis  ammunition  was  rendered  worthless,  he 
swam  the  Atcbafalaya  at  Lyons'  Ferry. 

i^IcAnully's  company  betook  themselves  to  tjie  swamps  and  cane- 
brakes,  where  tbey  confined  their  operation  until  the  enemy  commenced 
their  retreat,  when  bis  men  wca-o  again  assembled  and  once  more  were 
at  work  on  their  rear.  Capturing  a  Y'ankee  establishment  a  few  miles 
above  Plaquemine,  the  boys  were  all  well  clothed  at  short  notice.  They 
bfld  scarcely  completed  the  job  of  loading  a  pack  mule  with  their  plun- 
der, ere  tbe  cry  of  "here  they  come"  was  shouted  by  a  dozen  or  more, 
in    echo   to  the  firiug  of  six-shooters,  as  the  "First  Texas  Traitors" 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADK.  <J1 

charged  upon  a  party  of  five  or  six  who  were  watchiug  out  for  "circum- 
stances." A  running  fight,  which  was  kept  up  for  ten  miles,  here  cora- 
menced.  The  pack  mule  was  lost  in  the  first  one  mile  keat,  bj  which 
time  Davis'  band  of  Texas  traitors  had  seen  enough  for  their  "ante," 
and  another  regiment  of  bolder  men  gave  chase.  In  this  affair  Joe 
Doss  was  killed,  a  better  and  braver  soldier  than  whom  never  shoul- 
dered a  gun  iri  any  cause.  Lieut.  Pitts  and  ten  men  were  taken  prison- 
ers.    Eight  Yankees  were  killed  and  fifteen  wounded. 

McAuelly  was  not  working  to  suit  some  one,  and  he  was  ordered 
out  and  sent  to  hunting  up  jayhawkt-rs  on  the  Calcasieu.  Thurmond 
was  also  ordered  from  his  position,  having  killed  and  wounded  more  of 
the  enemy  than  his  own  numbers  while  in  there. 

Wewilhvturn  now  to  the  Brigade,  which  in  the  meantime  bad  moved 
from  near  Washington  to  within  a  few  miles  of  Alexandria,  where  the 
boys  were  "gormandizing  sumptuously"  on  sugar  and  blackberries, 
while  their  horses  were  dying  for  the  want  of  forage,  "Sioux's"  asser- 
tions to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

Headquarters  District  Western  Louisia\a,  ) 
In  the  Field,  May  23,  1864.  i 

General  Orders,  ) 
No.  44.  i 

Soldiers  of  the  Army  of  Western  Louisiana  : 

On  the  12th  of  March  the  enemy,  with  an  array  of  thirty  thousand 
men,  accompanied  by  a  fleet  of  iron  clads,  mounting  one  hundred  and 
fifty  guns,  moved  forward  for  the  conquest  of  Texas  and  Louisiana. 
After  seventy  days  continued  fighting,  you  stand  a  band  of  conqnering 
heroes  on  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi.  Fifty  pieces  of  cannon,  seven 
thousand  stand  of  small  arms,  three  gunboats  and  eight  transports  cap- 
tured or  destroyed,  sixty  stands  of  colors,  over  ten  thousand  of  the 
enemy  killed,  wounded  or  captured,  these  are  the  trophies  which  adorn 
your  victorious  banners.  Along  three  hundred  miles  of  river  you  have 
fought  his  fleet,  and  over  two  hundred  miles  of  road  you  have  driven 
his  army.  You  have  matched  your  bare  breasts  against  his  iron  clads 
and  have  proved  victorious  in  the  contest.  You  have  driven  his  routed 
columns  beyond  the  Mississippi,  although  fed  by  reinforcements  of 
fresh  troops,  while  many  of  your  gallant  comrades  were  withdrawn  to 
other  fields.  The  boasted  fleet  which  lately  sailed  triumphant  over  our 
waters,  has  fled  in  dismay,  after  destroying  guns  and  stripping  off 
armor  in  its  eagerness  to  escape  you.  Like  recreant  knights  the  iron 
clads  have  fled  the  field,  leaving  shield  and  sword  behind. 

The  devotion  and  constancy  you  have  displayed  in  this  pursuit 
have  never  been  surpassed  in  the  annals  of  war,  and  you  have  removed 
from  the  Confederate  soldier  the  reproach,  that  he  could  win  battles  but 
could  not  improve  victories. 

Along  a  hundred  miles  of  his  path  the  flying  foe,  with  more  than 
p.avage  barbarity,  burned  evory  hou.«e  and   village  within   hig  reach. 


S2  A   HiSTWKY  OF  THIC 

Ton  relinquished  the  buminp  i-.iins  in  Ii-p  bfiao  bloo6.  find  w^yo  norved 
afvcFh  ^")  venppancc  hy  the  crios  of  wotni'ii  nnd  childivn,  Icfc  wifhout 
f-licltor  or  fond. 

Ijoiig  will  Uxp  nccurspd  nff  rcmt'Tnbpr  tlip  p:r'»fit  vivpr  of  T"xns  nnd 
Loiiisifinfi.  TIic  (.•harnetPiiHtic  hu(»  of  liis  turbid  waters  lias  n  dm'kor 
tiugo  from  the  liberal  .ndmixturo  of  Ynnkoo  blood. 

The  cniol  allij:;ator  aud  the  ravenous  f^arfi.sh  wa:^  fat  on  rich  food, 
and  our  native  vulture  liolds  high  revelry  over  many  a  fes'erinj:; 
corpse.  ., 

If  the  stern  valor  of  our  well  trained  infantry  was  illustrated  on  tli-' 
bloody  fields  of  ?.ranpri(dd  and  Pl(\asar)t  IJill,  thi.s  long  pursuit  has  cov- 
ered tlie  cavalry  of  tiiis  army  As-itli  undying  rcniown. 

Like  generous  hounds  wit'i  the  gamp  in  full  viow,  you  h.".v»'  known 
neither  hunger  nor  fatigue,  and  the  hoarse  cannon  and  the  ringing  riile 
have  replaced  in  this  stern  chase  the  sonorous  horn  and  joyous  halloo. 
Whether  charging  on  fool,  shoulder  to  shoulder  with  our  noble  infantry, 
or  hurling  your  squadrons  on  tho  masses  of  the  foe,  or  hanging  on  his 
flying  columns  with  moie  than  the  tenacity  of  the  Cossack,  you  liav(> 
been  admirable  in  all.  Conquer  your  own  vices  and  you  can  conquer 
the  world. 

Our  artillery  has  been  the  admiration  of  the  army.  Boldly  advanc- 
ing, witiiout  cover,  against  llie  heavy  metal  of  the  hostile  fleet,  unlim- 
bering  often  within  range  of  musketry,  or  remaining  last  on  tlie  iieldto 
pour  grape  and  canister  into  advancing  columns,  our  batteries  have 
been  distinguished  in  exact  proportion  as  opportunity  was  afforded. 

Soldiers  !  these  are  great  and  noble  deeds,  and  they  will  live  in 
chronicle  and  in  S'jng  as  long  as  the  Southern  race  exists  to  honor  the 
earth.  But  much  re:nains  yet  to  do.  The  fairest  city  of  the  South 
languishes  in  the  invader's  grasp.  Her  exiled  .sons  mourn  her  fate  in 
every  land.  The  cheeks  of  her  fair  daughters  yet  mantle  with  the 
blush  raised  by  the  brutal  tyrant's  insult.  Not  a  Confederate  soldier 
returns  to  Isis  colors  from  this  sad  Venice  of  the  South,  but  recounts 
Avitli  throbbing  heart  and  tearful  eyes,  how,  amid.st  danger  and  insult, 
these  noble  women — angtds  upon  earth — cheered  hi.s  confinement  and 
reliev.'^l  his  wants.  'J'o  view  the  approving  smiles  of  these  fair  dames, 
will  be  a  soldi  (r's  pvotnb-st  boast,  the  briglite.-^t  leaf  in  liis  chaplel-of 
laur'ds. 

Soldiers!  t];is  army  in.nciie.s  towards  New  ( Irieans,  .•ind  thougii  it 
do  not  reach  the  gf^al,  the  liearts  of  her  patriot  women  shall  bound 
high  with  joy,  responsive  to  the  echoes  of  your  giins. 

H.  TAYLOR, 
f  )fricial :  M.ajor  Oeneral, 

IT.  IJ.  lyrnuocK, 

Lieni.  f  rl.  iV  A.  A.  G 


OLD  SIBLFA'  J^RIGAl^K.  *i3 

TO  THE  crpssrns  Ar%i>  soldisks  cr  wiiAnxo^i'S  cavalry 

COSPS. 
AlI.MV    OF    WkSTHRX    Loj.'lSlA\'A,  IS  THE  FlELD,  ^ 

jiiij  24th,  1SG4.  ) 

CtRXERAI.   ORDKr.fl,  ( 

No. .  J 

For  fovty-si::  days  you  liavo  daily  engagcnl  (lie  enemy,  ah'.ays  supe- 
rior to  you  in  nnnioerf=. 

"When  tlio  beaten  foe,  wit'a  four  army  corps  of  infantry  and  upwards 
of  five  thousand  czvalry,  began  his  retreat,  you  were  formed  in  battle 
arrav  in  liis  front,  and  Inmg  upon  his  flanks  and  rear  only  to  destroy, 
Iti  his  retreat  from  Grand  Ecore  to  the  Atchafalaya,  you  killed,  wound- 
ed and  captured  upwards  of  four  thousand,  destroyed  five  transports 
and  tare"  <ruiiboats,  all  of  which  wrxs  accomplished  with  a  loss  to  you 
of  but  4.00  men,  tvro-thirds  of  whom  Avill  report  for  duty  again  within 
forty  days. 

The  history  of  no  other  caiipaign  will  pre^^ent  the  spectacle  of  a 
cavalry  fore."  capturing  and  killing  more  of  tb,e  enemy  than  their  own 
numbers.  This  you  have  done,  and  in  so  doing  have  immortalised 
yourselves  and  added  new  lustre  to  Texas — the  gallantry  of  whose 
sons  have  been  illustrated  on  every  battle  field  from  Gettysburg  to  Glo- 
rletta. 

Had  a  position  of  our  forces  been  where  I  was  inf<)nn(>d  they  Avere 
nn  hour  and  a  half  before  the  engagement  at  Norwood's  Plantation, 
(Yellow  Bayou.)  the  rear  guard  of  the  en-'-my's  array  would  have  been 
utterly  destroyed.  As  it  wis,  thirty  of  his  dead  were  left  on  the  field, 
sisty-five  graves  inscribed  "killed  in  the  action  of  the  18th  of  3[ay," 
besides  his  wounded  carried  by  him. 

As  to  the  loss  you  inflicted  upon  him,  from  prisoners  recently  cap- 
tured we  learn  it  to  be  eight  hundred  killed  and  womxded  at  the  battle 
of  Norwood. 

Your  advance  guard  are  coAy  w.itering  their  horses  in  the  Missis- 
sippi river,  whither  you  will  shortly  follow. 

On  short  rations,  and  scanty  forage,  in  the  saddle  day  and  night, 
you  have  neither  murmured  nor  complained.  In  all  your  trials  and 
clangors  the  veteran  Second  Louisiana  Cavalry  have  been  by  your  side; 
they  have  shared  your  dangers,  and  are  participants  in  your  glory. 

During  the  entire  retreat  the  different  batteries  of  artillery,  either 
acting  separately  or  under  Col.  ]3rent  or  Maj.  Sinims,  displayed  the 
mo^^t  marked  skill  and  gallantry.  They  were  particularly  distinguished 
in  the  engagements  Mansuria  and  Yellow  Bayou. 

I,  as  your  commander,  honor  you  for  your  doedr,  and  llnnn  ackBOW" 
ledge  my  appr^'ciation  nf  your  snf cessfs. 


04  A  J116TORY  OF  THE 

GoTi.  Tnylor  cheerfnlly  ncrnnls  to  you  the  meed  of  his  approbatioa, 
aud  in  his  own  timt'nnd  w;iy  will  signify  liis  admiration. 

A  gratHful  people  will  clurish  the  record  of  your  gallantry. 
By  command  of 

i!.ii  Gen.  JOHN  A.  WHARTON. 

Assistant  Adjutant    General. 

On  the  23d  of  June  Gen.  Wharton  ordered  Col.  Hardeman  with  his 
Itri^ade  to  Trinity,  on  Black  river.  Accordin;rly  the  advance,  under 
Lieut.  Green,  took  u|)  the  lini'  of  march  on  the  24th,  tlie  brigade  fcd- 
lowiiig  on  the  next  day.  On  tlie  1st  of  July  we  arrived  at  Trinity. 
The  First  Rei^iment,  under  Col.  Hampton,  was  sent  down  the  river  to 
Johnson's  Ferry,  with  instructions  to  keep  an  eye  on  the  enemy  out 
towards  the  mouth  of  Red  river,  and  to  watch  the  progress  of  Yankee 
navigation  on  the  Mississippi  river.  The  Second  Regiment  was  sta- 
tioned in  the  town  cf  Trinity,  and  three  companies,  under  Capt.  Prid- 
geon,  was  sent  out  to  picket  at  Cosgrove's  place,  on  Cross  bayou.  The 
Third  was  camped  a  few  miles  below  Col.  Hardeman's  headquarters, 
which'  were  at  Gen.  Lidd-dl's  plantation.  Waller's  Battalion  was 
doing  provoat  duty  at  Col.  Hardeman's  headquarters. 

Until  the  2'3d  of  July  everj'thing  remained  quiet  on  the  river,  save 
an  oeca.^ioual  picket  light  in  Capt.  Pridgeou's  district,  or  a  scout  to- 
wards Vidalia  to  see  whut  the  enemy  wt^re  up  to.  On  the  day  last  re- 
ferred to,  orders  weiT  given  to  each  regiment  to  cross  over  on  the  east 
side  of  the  river  and  hold  ihemsolves  in  readiness  for  a  forward  move. 
On  that  night  amove  was  made,  the  like  of  which  is  but  scddom  spo- 
ken of  either  in  ancient  or  modern  history.  Morgan  may  have  done 
as  much  in  the  way  of  marching,  or  Marion  might  have  made  corres- 
ponding marches  through  the  swamps  of  South  Carolina  in  the  days  of 
'77,  but  it  never  has  been  excelled  in  this  war.  After  making  a  dis- 
tance of  thirty-one  miles  through  one  of  the  most  dismal  swamps  of 
Louisiana,  in  one  (tf  the  darkest  nights  on  record,  the  Brigade  found 
themselves  four  miles  below  Vidalia,  on  the  Mississippi  river,  at  day- 
brt-ak. 

Waller's  Battalion,  in  advance,  engaged' the  enemy,  and  driving 
them  from  their  po.sition,  they  captwed  13<3  mules,  60  horses  aiifl  s  me 
20  negroes,  witliout  the  loss  of  a  man.  As  it  was  only  unanl  for  a 
raid,  we  immediately  withdrew.  A  part  of  the  Third  Regiment  with 
the  Battalion,  under  Major  Hart,  turned  their  attention  to  a  transport 
in  tlie  river,  and  just  as  they  were  in  the  act  of  boarding  it,  the  enemy, 
treble  their  numbers,  charged  them,  capturing  two  men  and  wounding 
one  of  the  Third  Regiment.  For  this  piece  of  impudence  on  their  part 
tliey  were  severely  chastised.  Twenty-three  were  killed  and  many 
WHre  wounded. 

Returning  to  the  river  and  to  our  old  camps  on  the  west  side, 
JTP  remained  quiet  again  for  a  few  days,  until  forage  began  to  bo  an 


OLD  SIBLKY  BKIGADE.  9:1 

item,  when  another  raid  was  concocted,  in  which  Lieut.  Col.  Hampton 
was  commander-in-chief.  JMaking-  his  way  to  tlie  Mississippi,  he  cap- 
tm-ed  and  brought  out  safely  near  one  thousand  sacks  of  corn,  on  which 
we  subsisted  for  a  few  days,  previous  to  our  starting  for  Arkan.sas. 

On  the  29th  we  broke  up  our  camps  on  Black  river,  and  after  per- 
ambulating through  the  country  lying  on  the  'I'ensas  river,  and  from 
there  to  the  Mississippi,  up  to  AVaterproof,  the  line  oi  march  for  Arkan- 
sas was  taken  up,  on  the  1st  of  September. 

Nothnig  of  particular  note  or  importance  transpired  on  this  trip. 
On  the  11th  of  Sepfeinbor  our  advance  reached  Monticello.  On  the 
27th  the  Brigade,  under  Coh  j\IcNe.ill,  crossed  the  Arkansas  river  fif- 
teen miles  above  Arkansas  Post,  and  proceeded  up  on  the  opposite  bank 
to  within  a  few  miles  of  I'ine  Bluff. 

A  portion  of  WaUer's  Battalion  and  a  detachment  of  the  First  Regi- 
ment, under  liieut.  Taylor,  went  in  the  direction  of  J^uvall's  Bluff,  oa 
White  river,  and  engaged  the  enemy,  who,  after  firing  a  few  rounds, 
"skedaildled." 

At  sundown  we  received  orders  to  evacuate  that  section,  recross  the 
river,  destroy  the  boats,  and  nuike  a  forced  march  for  Monticello,  where 
Gen.  Magruder's  headquarters  were.  Little  Hock  now,  sure!  In  this 
Ave  were  disappointed.  On  reaching  MouticoJlo,  wt^  were  ordei'ed  to 
Lewisville,  which  order  'was  obeyed  with  all  promptness  by  making 
forced  marches,  regardless  of  wind  or  weather  ;  an  i  although  much  of 
the  road  h;.d  lost  its  bottom — wiiich  we  did  not  try  to  find,  as  it  had 
been  searched  for  repeaiedly  before  without  success — wo  made  the  trip 
without  the  loss  of  a  man.  Camping  at  Lewisville  for  a  few  days,  we 
were  ordered  with  all  possible  haste  to  Washington.  Washington  was 
ij:enaced,  as  a  matter  of  course,  notwithstanding  news  came  that  the 
enemy  Avere  evacuating  Li  I  tie  Rock. 

On  the  11th  of  October  we  started  on  another  forced  march,  by  or- 
der of .     We   landed  up  at  or  near   Washington,  where  for  one 

half  of  a,  night  we  enjoyed  jjcace  and  quiet,  preparatory  to  making 
another  forced  march  in  the  direction  of  Arkadelphia,  from  Avhich  to 
return,  after  getting  half  Avay  there,  to  our  old  resting  place  on  Rusk 
Lake,  near  Washington. 

On  the  27th  the  Brigade,  still  commanded  by  McNeill,  was  ordered 
to  Fulton,  Ark.,  on  Red  river,  where  forage  could  be  had  for  the  hor- 
ses. About  this  time  the  First  Regiment  was  detached  and  placed  on 
outpost  duty.  An  order  from  "district  headquarters"  required  that 
each  man  should  make  a  rawhide  bayonet  scabbard  and  a  belt ;  no  sol- 
dier was  allowed  to  go  to  a  private  house  on  any  condition ;  no  sick 
man  was  allowed  to  leave  camp,  unless  to  go  to  some  infernal  hospital  ; 
no  man  Avas  allowed  to  go  further  than  one  mile  from  camp  on  the  pen- 
alty of  death  ;  no  furloughs  were  to  be  given  on  any  condition :  ua 
passes  to  be  given  for  a  longer  time  than  six  hours  ;  rolls  were  to  be 
called  three  limes  a  day,  and  there  was  to  be  four  hours  drill  each  and 
and  every  day,  Sundays  excepted,  be6id«s  the  dismounted  men — those 


••G  A  MISTOUY  (.>:•'  THE 

■who  li*<l  I'-f't  tlii'ii-  liovst's  in  tlii'ir  country's  BtTvicc — wero  to  perform 
all  such  duty  as  coines  under  the  h.-ad  of  "fati.^uc  duty."  Xo  matter 
if  L-oru  had  to  be  hauled  twenty  miles,  they  wem  the  ones  to  do  it. 
iSjiaci' cannot  be  Bpared  to  review  (ho  numerous  orders  that  wcro  daily 
issued  from   district  headquj.rters. 

On  the  20th  of  November  iicws  of  Price's  retreat  from  Missouri 
cnrae.  On  the  following  day  the  Biigade,  under  Col.  McNeill,  was  or- 
dered v.ith  a  lar{re  supply  train  to  Princeton.  As  might  he  expected, 
the  order  came  at  the  very  tii.ne  that  a  .soldier  likes  the  leJist  to  stir,  but 
is  sure  to  have  to  go — when  it  is  raining,  l)!owing,  freezir;::  and  trying 
to  snow.  On  this  trip  the  boys  got  to  see  enough  of  Arkrnsas  to  sat- 
isfy thera  forever,  all  declaring  that  the  like  <»t"  it  lind  never  before  been 
seen  by  them.  For  two  davt^,  without  anything  for  self  or  horse  to  eat, 
it  rained  on  tbeni  by  day  and  fro7,o  by  night,  in  mud  to  their  saddle 
girths.  On  reaching  tln'ir  desfiiialion,  judge  of  their  disappointment 
on  learning  th:it  Price  had  gone  anoti.jr  route,  and  thv*y  could  counter- 
march and  get  back  to  their  old  caiup  as  best  they  could  ;  then  to  meet 
orders  from  Gen.  E.  Kirby  Sniitli — may  "God  bless  him"  is  the  sincer.- 
prayer  of  every  man  in  the  Brigade — to  march  to  Te.xa.s.  Gen.  Y/har- 
ton  had  already  gone,  and  Col.  Hardeman  was  in  comm;ind  of  the  cav- 
alry corps.  / 

The  money  that  Gen.  "Wharton  refern-d  to  in  his  address  to  the 
Corps  on  our  leaving  Louisian;i,  had  just  been  received — two  months' 
])aY — which  sipiared  the  men  and  Government  up  to  the  1st  of  Janu- 
ary, 1864  ;  oue  year's  pay  yet  due. 

Sonie  i't;w  shoes,  and  occasionally  a  shirt,  was  here  issued,  prepara- 
tory to  our  leaving  lor  Texas. 

The  First  Regiment,  under  Col.  Hampton,  crossed  lied  river  at 
Fulton  on  the  27th  of  NoTember.  On  the  5th  of  December  the  Hrig.'ido 
met  on  the  south  side  of  the  river  at  White  Oak  Shoals.  Col.  McNeill 
liaving  received  a  leave  of  absence,  the  connnand  of  the  Brigade  was 
turued  over  to  Col.  Hampton,  and  oh  the  tbliowing  day  it  took  up  the 
line  of  inarch  for  Texas,  with  orders  to  rendezvous  at  Nacogdoches. 

At  White  Oak  .Shoals,  on  the  oth  of  November,  the  Brigade  was 
caused  to  mourn  the  loss  of  one  of  its  most  g.illant,  obliging  a:id  useful 
oflicers  by  the  death  of  A.  A.  Gen'l  Wm.  L.  Moons  v.-ho  by  his  until ing 
energy  and  agreeable  deportment  had  won  lor  himself  the  highest  es- 
teem of  every  oue  in  the  lirigade.  As  a  private,  as  an  oilicer,  and  as  a 
gentlenum  and  a  friend,  Billy  J^.  had  no  superiors.  His  grave  as  yet 
is  unmarked  by  a  monument.  A  grateful  people,  a  noble  soldiery,  will 
in  days  to  come  seek  to  perpetuate  his  memory  by  markinyf  the  spot- 
where  he  now  slectps  in  a  bi-coming  style. 

We  lost  but  two  by  disease  while  in  Arkansas,  that  I  am  aware  of. 
G.  1).  Garrot  died  at  the  Lewisville  Hospital,  on  the  7th  of  November. 
I  remember  having  heard  that  two  men  belonging  to  Comjiany  F,  of  the 
First  Ivegiment,  died  near  Montieello,  about  the  1st  of  November,  but 
^  the  fact  I  have  benn  entirely  unabic  to  become  posted. 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  97 

At  Fulton,  Arkansas,  this  short,  imperfect  and  hurriedly  composed 
history  leaves  the-Brigade  en  route  for  Texas. 

This  war  is  not  yet  ended.  God  in  His  Allwise  course  has  ends 
yet  to  accomplish — ends  of  which  we  know  nothing,  save  that  lest  wc 
prove  true  to  ourselves  His  eiuls  will  not  be  ours. 

Peace  will  yet  perch  upon  our  banner.  At  an  hour  when  wo  the 
least  expect  it,  she  will  with  her  subtile  wings  bring  joy  and  happi- 
ness to  our  desolated  land.  We  can  but  watch  and  pray  ;  wo  can  but 
do  as  wo  have  done — prove  true  to  our  country  and  its  cause ;  and  all 
will  yet  be  well. 

Hoping,  kind  reader,  that  that  bright  and  happy  day  may  dawn 
upon  us  ere  another  year  is  "numbered  amongst  the  things  that  wwre," 
I  bid  3^ou  an  affectionate  adieu. 


98  A  HISTOKT  OF  THE 


HOSriTAL  DEPARTMEJ^T. 


Doaations    to    tlie    Brigade— Surgeons,  Xledical    Offi- 
cers,  &c. 

From  the  nble  work  of  Dr.  Gammag^f>,  eutitlrd  "The  Cami^  the 
Bivouac  and  the  Batth'  FieUl,"  I  take  the  I'llowiii^  extract  : 

•"If  tlie  anny  raises  a  inoimment,'  t-aid  Napoleon,  'let  it  be  in  honor 
of  Larry.'  And  bo  tlie  f^ratitiule  of  the  French  nation  has  erect«'d  a 
ttatuo  pensonityinj;  Larry,  the  j^^reat  military  .'iurge'in  ;  lie  is  represent- 
ed as  arreh^liiif;  with  his  luot  the  ball  Avhieh  is  s^-nibolic  of  death." 

The  medical  ofticers  oltliis  Brigade,  whose  patient  industry,  whose 
faithful  and  untiring  devotions,  whose  zeal  and  cner^'y  and  insjenuity 
have  so  many  limes  and  lor  so  many  lonj;  and  weary  months  hteu 
given,  like  thc^symbolic  foot,  to  arrest  the  jirogress  and  the  tfTect  of 
the  eneniv's  balls,  deserves  at  my  hands  the  tribute  of  a  passing  no- 
tice, and  though  their  humble  labors,  in  the  camp,  on  the  battle  litlds, 
at  the  iniirmaries,  in  the  midst  of  the  sick  and  the  Mounded,  tin-  dead 
aud  the  dying,  may  not  attract  the  attention  of  the  multitude  and 
"awaken  the  sonorous  echoes  of  fame,"  yet  a  grateiiil  people  will  re- 
meiuber  and  reward  the  glory  of  their  devotedness  and  tlio  heroism  ol 
their  humble  labors.     First  to  donations  and  then  to  them. 

Through  the  kindness  of  JSenior  Surgeon  Bronaugh,  I  have  been 
furnished  with  the  ibllowing  information  as  respects  the  donations 
made  to  our  Brigade  for  hosj)ital  piirpnst  s.  Much  credit  is  due  this 
energetic  and  valorous  snrfj-eon  for  the  attention  that  he  has  paid  to  tht» 
receiving  and  disbursing  the  funds  to  the  diii'erent  rej;lments.  By  the 
statetnent  herewith  given  it  will  hv,  sei.'n  that  an  efjual  division  of  the 
amounts  has  been  made  between  the  throd  regiments  and  liattalion. 

The  late  llev.  Jir.  Jones  (eliajtlain  of  the  Fir.>t  Begimenl)  during 
liis  administration  with  us,  apjiropriated  no  little  of  his  time  and  atten- 
tion to  this  deparfment.  At  (ilorietta  this  noble  man  of  (Jod  was 
wounded  while  praying  over  a  dying  soldier.  'I'hus  he  was  forced  to 
Tindergo  treatment  in  one  of  our  iiidd  hospita's,  which  made  hiui  most 
conversant  with  the  wants  and  suiferings  of  the  wound^^d  as  well  as  the 
sick,  and  true  to  the  noble  natun;  Avhieh  was  liis  chief  charact«  rihtic,  lie 
was  never  forgtMful  of  the  lesson  he  was  made  so  conversant  with,  and  on 
the  bloody  iields  of  Louisiana  he  was  over  to  be  found  at  the  field  infir- 
maries, administering  both  to  the  tem])oral  and  sjjiritual  wants  of  the 
wounded  aud  dying.  When  the  din  of  battle  was  over  aud  tho  weary 
■ 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  9i 

3ol<lier  was  enjoying  reposo,  when  others  of  liis  profession  woro  at  home 
enjoying  its  comforts,  Jonos  was  to  l»;;  found  amongst  the  sick, 
wounded  «,ud  dying  of  our  army.  For  this  one  he  had  a  liealing  balm; 
to  another  a  kiud  word  of  cheer,  and  for  the  dying  mortal  he  had  the 
most  precious  of  all  medicines,  the  "medicine  for  the  soul."  Need  I 
say  th.it  when  tao  death  of  this  noble  and  pious  man  was  announced  to 
the  Brigade,  who  had  learned  to  love  him,  tliat  tears,  tears  of  sorrow 
were  shod.  Truly  it  can  be  said  of  his  departure,  that  "his  soul  has 
goue  to  the  God  who  gave  it."     Quando  ullum  invcnimus  parcm. 

Tlie  Brigade  has  at  times  been  ably  represented  by  the  clergy. 
The  Ilov.  Mr.  Pearce,  a  true  christian  and  a  devout  man,  while  chap- 
lain oC-the  Second  Il(!giment  in  New  Mexico,  faithfully  performed  the 
duties  of  that  post.  Much  to  the  regret  of  all,  he  left  the  regiment  in 
New  irexico  and  returned  home.  iSiuce  that  time  this  regiment  has 
not  had  a  permanent  chaplain.  Occasionally,  however,  they  have  been 
visited  by  divines.  While  on  the  Atcliafalaya  the  Rev.  Dr.  Law  wa^? 
■with  the  regiment,  and  in  the  capacity  of  a  minister  ot  the  gospel,  won 
for  himself  a  never  dying  remembrance  on  the  part  of  those  ot  the  regi- 
ment who  were  .sick  and  wounded  at  that  time.  Shortly  afterwards, 
while  at  Vermilionville,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Wright  paid  the  Brigade  a  visit. 
His  time  was  mostly  spent  with  the  First  Regimeut.  Although  his 
stay  with  us  was  brief,  yet  his  labors  were  fruitful  of  much  good,  and 
are  to  this  day  apparent.  Tho  Doctor  is  a  devout  man,  and  like  tho 
lamented  Jones,  spent  the  greater  part  of  his  time  with  our  sick,  who 
but  await  an  opportunity  to  prove  to  him  their  gratefulness  for  his  kiud 
solicitation  in  their  bebalf. 

While  at  Columbia,  Texas,  in  the  Spring  of  18G4,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Cochrane  preached  to  tlie  entire  I'rigade,  and  had  it  been  possibl:)  for 
bim  to  have  remained  with  us,  the  good  that  he  would  have  done  could 
scarcely  be  unduly  overrated. 

At  ilemp.:5th!ad,  again,  a  few  days  previous  to  our  starting  for  Louis- 
iana, the  Rev.  Dr.  J.  V.  Wright,  with  his  brother,  who  is  also  a  minis- 
ter, pre.ached  for  us  a  few  tinies,  as  did  also  another  minister,  whose 
name  I  have  long  since  forgotten — but  not  his  Avords.  It  was  him 
who,  on  the  morning  of  the  i'^i\\  of  Marcli,  baptized  two  members  of  tho 
First  Regiment,  both  of  whom  have  lived  np  to  the  vows  they  then  and 
thwc  took  upon  themselves. 

There  is  but  one  chaplain  now  (December,  1SG4)  in  the  Brigade, 
and  of  him  I  cannot  bo  too  expressive  of  praise,  as  thereby  I  but  echo 
the  voice  of  every  one  who  enjoys  the  pleasure  of  his  acquaintance. 
This  one  is  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wm.  Alien,  of  Walli  r's  Battalion.  lie  served 
as  a  private  in  Company  B  for  a  long  time,  where  he  proved  himselt  as 
zealous  a  soldier  as  lie  has  since  proven  himself  to  be  a  devout  and 
pious  man.  With  the  sick  and  wounded  h<'  has  most  de.servedly  be- 
come very  popular,  not  only  with  those  of  bis  own  command,  but  also 
with  others.  A.s  a  iaithful  soldier, not  only  ot  his  country,  but  also  "of 
the  cross, "  the   Rov.  Mr.  Alluu  maj  have   uquali,  but  no  supwriors. 


100  A  ins'i'olIY  OF  TIIK 

"With  the  exception  of  Uiosf  ddivored  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Allen,  our  Brip;- 
ndc  li.is  ni»t  had  .1  sermon  ju.'.ulied  to  it  sinci?  l!u'  ll.v.  i)r.  Wriglii 
v.is  with  us  at  Ileinpstoad.  AVliy  we  are  thus  ni'glecti'd  i.«  a  qui>stion 
oiten  Foriously  asked  ainoiiirst  ourselves.  Surely  there  are  tut  few 
commands  \^ho  need  the  aervici  .s  of  a  devout  and  piou.s  man  more  than 
does  ours,  and  I  only  liave  the  word  of  those  who  have  been  with  us  to 
bear  me  out  in  saying  that  there  aro  nou«  who  are  dispoeed  to  pay 
more  reppect  tf^  '.;■.'  •   r?  th:v.\  we  ari'. 

BEIGADE   FUND. 

From  tho  citizens  of  Wahhingtou  county,  SI, 4&0,  of  wliich 
675^0  was  contributed  exclusively  to  the  Second  lUgi- 
mcnt SGQS  00 

From   citizens  oi"  Elkhart,  Houston  county,   through  editor 

"Telegraph" 325  OO 

From  citizens  of  Grimes  county,  through^Miss  Ilunnah  Esley     532  00 

Keceived  of  Gen.  Cireen,  cash  S2,0l.0,  with  vouchers  f(jr 
$1,700,  the  wiid  vouchers  and  mone}'  being  a  Brigade 
fund  ill  po.-^se?sion  of  the  lato  Rev.  .Mr.  Jones,  amount- 
ing to 4,000  00 

W.\!^  DISTRIIIUTED    A.S    FOLLOWS  : 

To  the  First  Regiment,  a.s  per  vouchers   of  the   late  Rev. 

Mr.  Jones S1,000  00 

To  tliL'  Second  Regiment,  as  i)er  vouchers  ot  the  lute   Rev. 

Mr.  Jones 700  00 

Deposited   with    Col.  llardenmn,  .May   2Sth,  1SG3,  for  the 

First   Regiuient 455  5S 

Deposited    with   ?.raj.  Hoffman,  May  2Sth,    1863,  ior   the 

Third  Regiment 455  68 

Deposited  wiili  l.icut.  Col.  Hampton,  August  5th,  1SG3,  fur 

the  First  Ii(  giment 177  50 

Deposited  with    Lieut.  Ccl.  Herbert,  August  5th,  1*^03,  for 

tho  Third  R.  giment 177  50 

Deposited  with  Snigcun   S.  15.  Many,  Nov.  2Sth,  1SG3,  for 

the  First  Regiment 553  33.^ 

Deposited  with  M^.  H;ii':inan,  Dec.  1st,  1S63,  for  the  Third 

Regiment  . , ,. 1,553  33>^ 

Helained  from  the  Brigade  fund  as  the   proportion  due  the 

Second  Regiment 1,139  07^ 

K.Kcliisive  of  the  above  eacli  regiment  has  been  th»'  rreiijieiiis  of  do- 
nations madi!  by  the  citizens  ami  good  people  of  Texa.s  direet  to  the 
vrginient,  through  tbc  commandants  or  surgeons,  of  which  it  was  im- 
possible for  me  to  procure  a  correct  account,  thougii  from  a  knowledge 
•  )f  taots,  as  well  as  the  evidence  before  me,  1  can  with  perfect  truthlul- 
ii€.<«8  stato  that  the  amounts  have  been  very  small. 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  101 

The  Third  Re,i;'iiTiont  has  received  none  whatever.  Tlie  First  Ref^i- 
mont,  on  p.'issing  through  N.'icogdoches  in  the  Spring  of  1S63,  was  pre- 
sented witli  some  S400  by  the  good  Ladies  of  that  city.  'Vho  Second 
llegiment  received  similar  donations  from  Grimes  and  Washington 
conuties  ;  and  whilst  to  the  noble  and  patriotic  citizens  of  old  Fort. 
Bend  we  have  to  acknowledge  an  indebtedness,  the  patriotic  daughters 
of  Crockett  will  ever  be  remembered  by  their  defenders  in  the  "tenied 
field  ;"  and  forever  will  the  names  of  those  noble  sires  and  dames  who 
live  on  the  lovely  San  I\[arcos  and  Guad;iiupe  be  held  in  cherished  ro- 
merabrance  by  their  sons  and  friends  in  the  old  Siblev  Brigade. 

'Tis  but  meet  that  I  should  speak  of  the  noble  a.-^sistance  and  relief 
extended  to  us  througli  the  exertions  of  JMrs.  Jas.  Ueily,  who  to  this 
day,  as  well  asf)r  time  to  conns  is  and  will  ever  be  rememberiMl  with 
gratitude  by  those  who  by  her  exei'tions  were  the  recipients  of  many 
favors  on  their  arrival  at  San  Antonio  from  where  that  "biilliant  but 
short  campaign"  had  jutt  be(m  made.  Then  long  after  that,  when  by 
exposure  and  fatigue  our  boys  became  sick  and  were  sent  to  the  hospital 
in  Houston — which  at  that  time  was  but  a  poor  excuse — this  nobl«  lady 
was  their  constant  visitor  and  careful  provider  for  their  i-very  want. 
Again,  when  the  tide  of  battle  raged  the  warmest  at  Franklin — where 
fell  ber  noble  husband,  the  lamented  Col.  Ueily — she,  Avith  those  noble 
daraos  and  daughters  of  that  city  might  have  been  seen  on  that  horrid 
field  of  carnage  ministering  to  the  braves  of  our  army  who  had  mot 
with  battle  scars  ;  ther.-,  unmindful  of  the  danger  Aviiich  menaced  them 
in  the  share  of  flying  missiles  and  bursting  shells,  they  were,  too  intent 
upon  the  performance  of  their  mi.ssioa  to  heed  the  danger,  which  made 
many  of  the  stronger  sex  tremble. 

In  justice,  a  whole  volume  could  be  filled  in  speaking  of  that  noble, 
whole-souled  and  patriotic  lady,  Mrs.  Sarah  Smedes,  living  one  mile 
from  New  Iberia,  in  Louisiana,  who  in  the  goodness  of  her  heart  estab 
lished  a  large  hospital,  out  of  her  own  purse,  for  the  benefit-  f  Waller's 
Battalion.  At  one  time  there  was  upwards  of  one  hundred  patients  in 
it,  all  living  on  dainties  prepared  by  herself  and  the  noble 
3iis3  Bukup.  Their  names,  connected  A\ith  those  of  Mrs.  Ueily, 
Green,  Dunham,  Chalmers,  and  3Msses  Easloy,  Green,  Smith,  and  a 
host  of  other  fair  daughters  of  the  "Lone  Star  State,"  are  names  which 
will  long  be  remembered  and  cherished,  as  well  as  they  will  ever  bo 
inseparably  connected  with  the  history  of  the  old  Sibley — Green  Brig- 
ade. To  cherish  their  meuiory  would  be  but  proving  ourselves  worthy 
of  such  noble  friends.  It  is  thus  we  show  that  we  are  not  forgetful  of 
a  grateful  act  on  the  part  of  our  motjicrs,  sisters,  &c.  To  know  that 
they  appreciate  our  deeds  of  valor,  our  heroic  forbearance;  of  sufferin--, 
our  self-sacrificing  devotion  to  a  cause  equally  as  noble,  just  and  right 
as  was  that  in  wliich  our  noble  forefathers  fought,  is  a  consolation  most 
dear  to  that  war-worn  and  battle-scarred  veteran  who  this  day  stands 
on  the  lonely  outpost,  bare-footed  and  in  tatters,  guarding  his  home, 
happy  fireside,  his  all.  from  the  further  encroachments  of  the  cnemv. 
th0  minion,  the  despoiler  and  wreckwr  of  our  happiness. 


io:>  A  111  ST  our  or  Tin: 

Xot  u;»til  that  hrigbt,  h.ijipv,  and  mucli  prayotl  for  tlnj  ot' pe.ice 
«l.t\vu3  upon  us  antl  our  land,  ran  we,  t\\<'  sijIJicry  of  tbe  coaatrv. 
prove  ihi'.  siac«Mi;y  of  our  aliVj'ions,  our  n'.cj.irds  and  devotions  for 
tboso  noble  eartlilvt  yet  Sfntpliic  l)i'ii!g8  who  have  proved  on  many  oc- 
casions to  he  ministering  augtls  lo  us  in  thv'  hour  of  nerd. 

When  thu  names  of  Airs.  K'-rr,  Mrs.  Alice,  Tdrs.  (Gordon, and  Misses 
Lynn?,  Gordon,  Alice,  and  o'.hcrs,  aro  mentioned  to  tho.-e  ot  our  Brio'- 
ade  who  hmg  sick  of  loathsome  lover  in  the  hospitals  at  Wat^hington, 
La.,  they  will  he  reminded  anew  of  the  debt  of  gratitude  they  owo  to 
those,  the  noljhst  of  God's  erealion. 

Space  precludes  the  possibility  of  longer  dwelling:  <>n  tliis  subject. 
Pages  could  be  filled  in  speaking  of  the  tokens  of  gratitude  and  words 
of  encouragement  given  us  by  the  noble  ladies  of  Luuisiaua,  aud  it 
would  be  a  ])li'.a.<!ure  to  be  able  to  notice  thorn  all. 

The  follo*-i:ig  biographical  sketches  of  some  of  the  medical  ofScers 
«if  the  old  Brigade  may  iu  r.iany  respects  be  imperfect.  Not  being  one 
of  them  myselt,  I  can  but  speak  of  them  as  a  private  knows  them,  and 
ibr  wliat  is  said,  I  alont*  am  responsible.  There  are  some  few  who 
originally  belonged  to  the  Hrigule  who  have  left  us  and  gone  I  know 
not  where,  amongst  whom  is  Dr.  Geo.  Gupples,  who  for  a  huig  time 
served  as  Ghief  Surgeon,  not  only  of  the  lirigade,  but  also  of  Gi-een*d 
old  Cavalry  Division,  and  finally  as  Ghief  Surgeon  of  the  Gavalrv 
Corps,  which  position  lie  resigned  shortly  after  the  death  of  General 
Green.  No  one  will  accuse  mt;  of  speaking  falsely  of  him  in  saying 
that  he  was  amongst  the  best  of  his  profession  as  an  oper.itive  surgeon. 
No  one  stood  higher  amongst  the  officers  of  bis  arm  of  the  service  thuu 
be  did. 

Of  Dr.  Bracht,  formerly  of  the  Second  Regiment,  as  a  practitioner 
and  a  skilllnl  medical  olHcer,  as  well  as  a  humane  and  tender-henited 
man,  I  could  not  be  too  expressive  of  praise.  The  Doctor  has  long 
since  left  us  to  enjoy  a  ])eaco  at  homo  which  age  so  well  justifies  him 
in  seeking.  There  are  others  of  whom  I  should  speak,  who  deserve 
"Well  of  their  country  ;  but  they  have  bei;n  absent  from  us  so  long  that 
they  can  no  longer  be  con.sidered  a  part  of  the  •'  Old  Brig:ide." 

SUEGEON  SAMUEL  B.  MANY 

Was  born  in  the  town  of  Murfreesboro,  Rutherford  county,  Ten- 
tiofisee,  in  ]8o5,  whtM'o  he  receive<l  all  the  advantages  of  an  early  edu- 
cation afibrded  by  the  aeadeiny  at  that  place.  AViien  thirteen  years 
old  young  Samuel  was  taken  fruiii  school  and  placed  in  a  store  as  a 
clerk,  where  he  remained  but  n  sliort  time  when  ho  was  again  "  put  to 
books"  at  the  Union  University,  and  progressed  a^  far  as  the  Junior 
class — leaving  which  he  emigraii  d  with  his  father's  family  to  Texna 
in  the  year  iS.jl.  For  two  years  Im  superintended  his  father's  plan- 
tation, and  in  the  sprirjgof  lb56  commenced  the  study  of  medicine  un- 
der Dr.  B.  W.  Ilumphries,  of  Gaudnlupe  county,  lie  attended  his 
first  eourse  of  lectures  in   New  Orleans.     In  1859  ho  graduated  at  th« 


OLD  S^/BLEY  BRIGADE.  103 

Jefferson  Medical  Collego  of  Pliiladclplna  witli  liigli  bouors.  Return- 
ing to  Texas  he  coininencod  tlio  practice  of  "iVifdicino  in  C;ildwell 
couufy.  True  to  the  country  that  gavo  him  hirth,  lie  vohnitpored  un- 
der Capt.  Hardeman  earl}'  in  the  commeneenient  of  tho  war,  and  as  a 
private  in  the  ranks  he  served  tlirongh  the  battle  of  Val  Verde.  Dr. 
Covey,  the  chief  snrgeoii  of  the  Ibigade,  established  a  hospital  at  So- 
coro,  and  had  Dr.  Mony  to  take  charge  of  it  as  a  contracting  surgeon. 
]-5y  his  kindness  to  the  sick  and  v.Tuuded  he  quickly  became  very  ])0p- 
ular,  not  only  with  his  patients,  li'ut  also  with  his  superiors.  Doctor 
j\latchett,  assistant  surgeon  of  the  first  Regiment,  resigned  in  conse- 
quence of  reasons  not  generally  known,  and  J)r.  Many  was  promoted 
to  till  (he  vacancy.  On  the  Brigade's  leaving  the  Territory,  he  was 
left  behind  in  charge  of  our  hospitals  at  Santa  Fee,  Avhere  he  was  tak- 
en prisoner.  By  a  breach  of  good  faith  on  the  part  of  the  Federal  au- 
thorities, he  with  some  17.3  or  200  of  our  sick  and  wounded,  were  sent 
across  the  plains  to  Fort  Leavenworth,  and  thence  to  the  modern  Amer- 
ican Bastile  in  Chicago,  where,  in  company  with  the  prisoners  taken 
at  the  fall  of  Fort  Donelsou,  they  were  kei)t  until  some  time  in  Octo- 
ber. In  that  month  the  Doctor  with  his  party  was  exchanged  at  Vicks- 
burg.  He  rejoined  his  Regiment  at  Millican,  Texas,  a  short  time  bc- 
l(jre  the  taking  of  Galveston.  Shortly  alter  that  event  he  was  taken 
by  Col.  nardeman,  who  had  been  assigned  to  the  connnand  of  the  first 
'J'exas  Partisan  Rangi-rs  Brigade  (now  Guards)  as  chief  surgeon  of  that 
Brigado.  On  the  death  of  Colonel  James  Riley,  Hardeman  was  or- 
dered back  to  his  old  Regiment;  and  greatly  to  the  pleasure  of  all  I\Ia- 
ny  was  again  brought  back  to  his  old  Regiment,  amongst  the  boys  of 
which  he  had  become  very  popular.  He  enjoyed  the  full  confidence  of 
all.     With  the  sick  he  was  most  deservedly  popular. 

Some  time  in  July  he  was  again  promoted  to  surgeon  of  the  first 
Regiment,  in  which  capacity  he  served  until  after  the  battle  of  I\Laus- 
lield,  when  he  was  assigned  to  uuLy  us  Chief  Surgeon  ut  Major's  Cav- 
alry Division,  (Green's  old  Division)  which  position  he  now  fills.  As 
a  practitioner  he  has  been  one  of  the  most  successful  in  our  army; 
wliilst  as  a  field  surgeon  he  scarce!}^  has  a  superior.  He  enjoys,  as  he 
richly  d(;s(n-ves,  the  entire  confidence  of  many  officers  and  soldiers  of 
the  whole  Division.  *      » 

The  Doctor  is  a  ynung  man,  and  for  the  benefit  of  all  "  concerned," 
1  hope  it  will  not  be  considered  a  7?iiss  in  me  to  state  that  he  is  yet  un- 
married. 

As  a  companion  ho  is  sociable  and  agreeable — one  much  given  to 
study — always  cheerful  and  happy  when  surrounded  either  by  friends 
or  reverses;  and  perhaps  what  is  a  higher  re-conimendation  to  him  ihau 
all  else  I  have  said,  he  is  in  the  truest  and  best  tense  a  good  man. 

ASSISTANT  SURGEON  FRANK  RAINET 

Was  born  in  Greene  county,  Alabama,  on  tli.-  IGlh  of  November, 
1836.     In  the  fall  of  1842  or  '43  his  father  removctl  to  Arkansas.     M- 


101  A  illSTuUY  UF  Till: 

t«'r  his  di-ath  in  1801  young  Kniucy  movt'd  to  Texas  witli  bis  brother 
Ool.  A.  T.  Kaint'y,  wLi're  lie  located  in  Houston  county.  He  com- 
menced the  study  of  medicine  .n  the  sprinjr  of  lb5G,  and  entered  eol- 
lepe  in  the  ensuin;:;  fall.  After  aiteiidinfj  three  re{;nlar  courses  of  lurd- 
ictti  lectures,  he  graduated  in  March,  18GU,  and  commenced  the  prac- 
tice of  hi.s  profession  in  Hou.^ton  county  with  his  lather-in-law  Dr.  F. 
L.  Meriwether.  Soon  afterwards  he  joined  the  army  (Kandairs  Uegi- 
nien;)  and  served  as  a  priv.-itt-  tliroiigh  the  campaign  i»f  Arkansas. — 
From  ill  health  he  was  discharLr>'tl  in  December  18G?,  and  joined  the 
second  Jiegiment  of  our  Brigade  some  time  in  the  following  January. — 
A  few  days  before  the  battle  of  llisland  he  was  made  Acting  Assistant 
Surgeon  by  Col.  liiley,  .and  assigned  to  duty  as  such  with  the  first 
Ilegiment.  In  July  following  he  was  examined  by  tha  army  medical 
lioard.  and  became  the  A.ssistant  Surgeon  of  that  Regiment. 

It  is  said  cf  him  that  he  jiassed  the  best  examination  before  the 
board  of  am  applicant  that  hail  been  brought  before  them. 

Oi  Dr.  Kaincy  1  can  sa}  with  all  sincerity  that  I  have  never  known 
a  medical  olilcer  wh(»  was  more  devoted  to  his  duties,  the  cause,  and 
the  sick  ;  and  when  he  leaves  us  he  will  have  the  proud  satisfaction  ol 
knowing  that  he  leaves  behind  him  a  liost  of  friends  whose  kind  wish- 
es will  follow  him  wherever  he  may  go. 

ASSISTANT  SURGEON  R.  C.  WATSON 

Was  born  in  the  State  of  North  Car  lina,  and  moved  to  Texas  in 
January  ISoO.  He  connnenced  the  study  of  medicine  at  tlie  University 
of  Virginia,  and  comjdef.  d  the  course  at  the  University  of  Pennsylva- 
nia. He  commenced  ih;-  practice  of  medicine  in  his  own  native  State, 
where  ho  remained  for  three  years,  when  his  health  became  impaired, 
and  his  profe.-sion  w;.s  obliged  to  be  abandoned.  J<y  the  advico  of 
friends  he  was  induced  to  change  the  climate,  and  try  his  fortunes  for 
b(  tt-r  health  in  traveling.  Accordingly  he  came  to  Texas  and  located 
in  Austin  county,  where  ior  a  short  time  his  "shingle  was  hung  out;" 
but  in  consoquence  of  ill  health  he  was  again  compelh'd  to  abandon  his 
profession.  In  Octobor  ISGI  he  volunteered  as  a  private,  and  ser^  ed 
a-  such  for  six  monllis,  when  he  received  the  appointment  of  Assistant 
Surgeon  of  Waller's  Hattalion  of  Texas  cavalry,  in  which  capacity  ho 
has  served  with  great  credit  to  himself  and  good  to  the  cause. 

The  Doctor  is  yet  (|uil(^  a  young  man,  enjoying  the  highest  confi- 
dence of  all  wilh  whom  he  oonns  in  contact.  Wore  I  to  seek  for  u  cri- 
terion by  which  to  judge  of  the  worth  of  :inarmy  surgeon,  I  would  first 
call  upon  those  under  him  and  learn  from  them  his  trui.'  worth. 

H:  P.  Wiley,  of  company  ('  of  his  Battnlion  was  wounded  at  the 
battle  of  IVislanil  by  an  Enfield  lille  ball  striking  him  in  the  orifice  of 
the  left  oar.  passing  forward  abov.'  the  p.alate  and  through  the  cheek 
b«me  of  the  opposite  side,  inflicting  M-hat  at  first  would  have  been  pro- 
nounced a  fatal  wound.     Having  a  most   excellent  constitution  he  was 


OLg  'efBLET.  JiXtlGABK)^  1 05 

abl|e^  to  iStan4  tlie  treatraeA^  uecoss^iy  to  ensure  a  spoedy  euro,  which 
was  effected  in  a  comparatively  short  time,  and  the  subjdct  of  these 
reojiarks  is  now  doing  Joty  iu  the  $eld. 

As  a,  cQuvtoous  geyitleman  and  agreeable  companion  the  Doctor  has 
but  lew  equ^k ;  aud  a,sa  physician,  he  has  few  superiors  to  liis  ago  ei- 
ther ip  oj^;  out,  of  the  army. 

SUaGEON  JOHN  M.  BROMUGH. 


re- 

the 


Was  born  in  Georgetn,vu,  District  of  Columbia,  at  which  place  he : 
ceiVed  bis  early  education,  and  in  hi^  twenti'jfh  year  he  commenced  t 
study  of  medicine  unf\^r  Professor  Thomas  Miller  in  the  city  of  Phila- 
delphia, tn  18I.'5  he  •|;raduated  with  high  honors  at  the  Medical  Uni- 
versity of  Pennsylvania,  and  so'hx  afterwards  lomraenccd  the  practice 
of  ineilicin'o  inthe  city  of  W'ashiugtou,     In  this  place   he  enjoyed  a 

lucrative  jn-actico  until  the  commencement  of  the  war  with  3Iexico. 

On  the  22d  of  J^farch,  1S47,  be  was  appointed  by  President  Polk  as 
Adjutant  of  the  twelftli  Regiment  of  United  States  infantry — iu  which  .{ 
capacity  he  Served  through  the  battles  of  the  Valley  of  Mexico,  and 
was  brevetted  for  his  gallantry  at  the  ever  memorable  battles  of  Con- 
trerasraii^  Ch«rubuscq.  Shortly  aftei;  t|ie  close  of  the  war  the  Doctor 
emigi»feeato  Missouri,  w^hero  he  settled  and' ComYnenced  the  practice  of 
me4ici,ViC  i,n  tli9  ffcir  west.,  ,, To  climb  mountains  and  seek  adventures 
among  them,  prompted  the  Doctor  to  try  an  overland  trip  to  California. 
Arriving  in  \h^  "  land  of  gold"  in  the  spring  of  1852,  he  again  hung 
out  b|s  "  shingle,"  and  wf^s  again  crowded  with  professional  business. 
i>ot  being  contented  here,  and  thoroughly  convinced  that  this  was  not 
the  El  X)orado  of  bis  beau  ideal,  he  again  resolved  to  travel,  which  he 
did  iii  the  spring  of  lS-:).5  by  way  of  Panama  back  to  Missouri.  For 
some  reusou! not  known  to  the  writ,ei%  the  Doctor,  shortly  after  arrivino- 
in  ]'((iss9uriL, turned  hi.^  eyo  towards  Texas — iu  which  State  he  moved 
in  tjiat  year,  ai^d  settled,  as  he  sayg,  permanently  iu  Jackson  county. 
Trne  to  the  ualur^  wbicji  prompts  one  to  be  apautriot,  and  a  usefnl  man 
to  ]iis  country,  the  D-Qctoy  volunteerwj  in  October  1859  to  again  meet 
the  ;\lexicatt.^  who,  pnder  Cortipas,  .were  then  envtroniug  our  llio 
Grand©  country.  Hg  ^Y4s  made  first  liieutenant  in  the  Victory  county 
company.  He  was  a  private  in  the  Port  Lavacca  campaign,  at  the  ca- 
pitul^uioi)  of  the  U.  S.  forces  at  fcJaluria,  Texas,  in  April  1861.  He 
was  ayi)o;ut9d  Assistant  Surgeon  of;  the  second  Puigiment  by  Greneral 
Sibley  on  tlie  4t3th  of  Soptomber,  and  as  such  served  with  his  Regi- 
ment tbrougq  t,h^  campaign  of  New  MQjtico. 

There  i.^  uo  aurgeou  in  the  army  who  has  been  more  constant  and 
un,t^ring  than  surgeon  BronaugU.  Gongtantly  at  his  post,  be  is  ever  to 
be  found  on  the  field  rea4y  to  perform  his  duty  at  any  time  and  at  any 
place.  The  Doctor  has  as  little  fear  of  danger  as  Caisar  would  have 
had  had  hf  been  a  surgeon. 

Although  njost  remarkably  gruff  ;wd  pointed  in  bis  mannerR  aad 


igg  A  niSTdRT  OF  THE 

ways,  yet  there  is  not  a  warmer  and  kinder  hearted  man  towards    t\\e> 
Kick  tbnn  is  Dr.  Bronangh. 

Ill'  is  the  only  frrandson,  now  surviviiij;,  of  that  ilFnstrious  and  over 
to  bo  remcinbc^red  chieftain,  the  late  Col.  William  Bronanp^h,  o''  Vir- 
jvjjiiji — who,  it  will  bo  remiMiilirn-d,  M'as  a  Captain  nndi-v  \\'a8hin^on 
at  Brnddock's  defeat,  and  was  afterwards  made  a  Colonel  in  the  Revo- 
lutionary war.  Both  of  his  <jrund lathers  wore  active  oflicers  in  the 
Ilevolutionary  war,  and  both  were  wounded  at  Yorktown.  His  uncle. 
Dr.  J.  C.  Broiiaugh,  wu.s  Sur;_'-eoB  (ieneral  of  the  >>(iilliern  Division 
in  the  M'ar  of  181?.  J.  M.  Hronauj^h,  his  father,  wjia  for  many  years 
the  Chief  of  the  Indian  Bureau  in  Washinj^ton  City. 

As  a  surgeon  the  Doctor  may  have  equ,il.><,  imt  no  supiM-iors  in  our 
army;  and  an  a  social,  jovial,  and  an  intelligant  camp  couipanien,  the 
Doctor  stands  as  the  excelsior  of  all  who  have  not  had  the  chances  of 
seeing  what  he  has  seen  in  thi.>^  low  world  of  trouble. 

He  has  acted  a.s  Chief  Surg<!on  of  tho  Brigade  for  nearly  two  years, 
and  has  discharged  the  duties  incumbent  upon  him  Avith  much  credit  to 
himself,  and  great  good  to  the  cause  to  which  ho  hab  proven  himself  a 
devoted  attache. 

ASSISTANT  SURGEON  HAL.  J.  HUNTER 

Emigrated  to  Texas  when  quite  young  from  tln^  .State  ol'Ccorgia. 
Studied  medicine  and  graduated  at  the  I'niver.iify  of  Loni.«iaua  in 
1859.  As  a  private  he  s<'rved  in  Company  I,  of  the  Third  Kegiment, 
until  tho  lOtli  of  March,  1862,  when  he  was  promoted  to  his  preuent 
position  in  the  Medical  Department. 

Since  his  enlist  in. ■nt  he  has  shared  the  hardships  and  glories  of  tho 
old  Brigade  in  thf  i  ajiacity  of  a  private  and  assistant  surgeon,  either 
in  the  field  (jr  in  th<'  hospitals,  lie  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  wound- 
(h1  of  the  Third  Kegiment  at  Socorro,  after  the  battle  of  Val  Verde, 
and  was  taken  a ')nsont;r  shortly  afterwards.  He  was  exchanged  for 
and  placed  in  charg<i  of  the  hospital  at  Kl  Paso,  Avhere  he  was  left  with 
the  sick  when  the  Bri^-ade  evacuatetl  that  country.  Arriving  at  San 
Antonio  in  the  latter  jiart  of  September,  he  had  bnt  a  few  days  of  re- 
creation and  rest  from  his  arduous  duties  before  he  was  again  eall(>d  to 
the  "tcHtcd  field"  and  jilaced  in  charge  of  a  ho.'spital  established  for 
the  sick  of  the  Brigade  at  Houston,  llad  charge  of  tho  wounded  at 
the  battle  of  Galveston.  With  his  regiment  at  Bisland,  he  was  again 
placed  in  charge  of  the  hospital  established  for  our  wouud(;d  at  that 
place.  Barely  escaping  capture,  he  rejoined  the  Brigade  on  its  march 
to  Xiblett's  Bluff.  Was  with  it  constantly  in  every  skirmish  and  bat- 
tle, and  was  again  detached  from  the  Brigade  at  Yellow  Bayou,  in 
cliargo  of  the  hospital  there  established  for  tho  wounded  of  Wharton's 
Cavalry  Corps.  * 

Tht!  Doctor  reports  the  following  number  of  cases  of  gunshot 
wounds — belongioglo  our  command — that  came  under  his  treatment  at 


#LD  ilBLETB  RTGADK.  a*7 

that  hospital  c  Head,  1  ;  car,  1  ;  face,  1  ;  mouth,  2;  neck,  5;  shoul- 
der, 1;  breast,  6;  arm,  8;  hand,  13;  abdomen,  3;  hip,  15;  thigh,  23; 
knee,  3;  leg,  14;  foot,  8.     Total,  105. 

Our  array  needs  move  just  such  untiring  and  indefatigable,  as  well 
^aa  courteous  and  tender-hearted  men  as  Dr.  Hunter. 

A  short  firao  back  Assistant  Surgeon  Greemvood,  of  the  Third 
Regiment  was  promoted  to  Surgeon,  and  assigned  to  duty  in  Lane's 
Ih-igado.  Although  no  longer  "one  of  us,"  it  is  but  meet  and  just  that 
his  memory  should  be  perpetuated,  as  it  justly  deserves  to  be  for  his 
valuable  services  as  an  able  surgeon  whilst  with  us. 

Dr.  !McIver,  Surgeon  of  that  regiment,  has  also  lately  been  trans- 
ferred to  duty -elsewhere,  which  when  positively  and  officially  confirm- 
ed, makes  Di\  Hunter  Surgeon. 

Although  wo  regret  to  part  with  our  old  and  tried  friends,  who 
have  proved  faithful  to  their  trust  and  true  to  the  cause,  yet  the  entire 
Brigade  will  be  pleased  to  hear  of  Dr.  Hunter's  advancement  at  any 
time,  unless  it  be  as  it  was  the  case  with  Many — advance  him  from  us. 

Surgeons  McPhail  and  Todd,  of  the  Second  Regiment,  deserve  at 
my  hands  more  than  a  passing  notice,  notwithstanding  I  can  do  no 
more  for  reasons  set  forth  in  my  preface.  Those  two  gentlemen  must 
not  think  the  omission  an  intentional  one  on  my  part.  Through  thn 
kindness  of  my  friends  I  have  been  placed  in  possession  of  the  data 
which,  with  no  little  pains  on  my  part,  I  was  enabled  to  make  up  tho 
foregoing  notices. 

Of  Acting  As.sistant  Surgeons  Cunningham  and  Dawson  I  could 
not  be  too  extravagant  or  lavish  of  praise.  Both  deserve  much  at  tho 
hands  of  their  countrymen,  and  tho  warm  wishes  of  the  friends  to  the 
Brigade. 

"This  closes  a  list  of  those  medical  officers  of  the  old  Brigade  who 
have  been  with  us  from  the  beginning,  and  who  have  held  out  faithful 
to  the  present  time.  There  were  others  who  have  deserved  well  of  the 
country,  whofs  names  it  would  have  been  a  pleasure  to  record,  and 
whose  faithful  servicea  in  the  cause  of  humanity  deserve  to  have  been 
handed  down  to  posterity  ;  but  some  of  these  have  loft  us  and  gone  wo 
know  not  whither,  whilst  others  havo  come  amongst  us  so  avcently 
that  they  could  scarcely  be  regarded  as  forming  a  part  of  the  old 
Brigade. 

"Our  article  on  the  subject  of  medical  ollicers,  dec,  is  fast  drawing 
to  a  close.  Many  a  reader  of  our  humble  history,  in  coming  to  tho 
heading  ''Medical  Oflicers  of  tho  Brigade,"  will,  wo  fear,  hesitate  to 
read  farther;  but  why  ."liouldthey  not?  It  is  natural  that  they  should 
feel  as  tho  world  feels  !  It  has  boon  aptly  said  that  'the  crowd  rushes 
to  the  pageantry  of  great  men.'  We  see  the  long  lines  of  glittering 
bayonets,  tho  flashing  of  swords,  tho  glitter  of  showy  uniforms,  tho 
flowing  plumes  and  the  prancing  of  richly  caparisoned  siceds,  and  the 
most  thrilling  emotions  of  our  hearts  arc  awakened  by  all  tho  'prido 
and  pomp  and  circumitanco  of  glorious  war.'     We  are  pioud  of  the 


l.Vf.  A  HI^LORY  OF  THR 

gallaiit  Loarinp:,  tlic  nobl^  oarin*:  Ami  tfie  lofty  p.ntrir.ti.^r.  of  ni:r  brnvc 

t)fticers  of  tlie  fieW   mid  the    lii.f.  ::nfl   xho  privntrs   nf  ffio  rnnk>^  v.ljo 

'fi{xlit  not  for  rpTT?.  but  for  country.'     Ltt  tis  cast  niir  <  "'    "  hpr 

Hovn,  there  nt  the  foot  <jf  the  n  rrimcnt,  nt'i]   vlmf  <!■  i). 

dier?     Yfs!     lie  too  i«  on  tli<>  r"?i<l  1"   ■" 

on  llip  roatl  to  fAnio  and  plor    and 

After  tlio  h<'iur  of  bat  lie,  i^beti   tli<^  lAaimed    ni. 

to  the  rear,  who^e  9te:idy  riene  nud  cool,  di^ph.-- 

wuch  needed  1  wlios^e  skillinl  hnnd   and  brhVfe  heart  ;-.tvu 

now  as  the  Surgeon  of  thn  re^'iiiU'Rt?  •        • 

"All  call  him — he  hears  ihe  voice  of  flic  pofftr  snit^.i  I  es 

that  of  the  powerful  pcner/il ;  liis  cortlpatrinnH  and  liis  1.      ;..u^^- 

lated  and  dying,  are  pl.\ced  before  him— lie  drivrf?  Ir.tck  to  thi^  d^fr111s 
of  his  heart  the  emotion*  Vif^tyrr  ^nan  in  order  to  remain  mastCT  ot  hiuj- 
eelf;  for  the  ey«  of  A  pnV^r<  <mi  ongbt  «ot  theft  to  bo  ef)H'i'ed  with  'a 
tear.  '  ''.>,'.'■.' 

♦'Kneeling  upon  tbo  Woody  «faW  6f'  'lh<i  li#.piia1;  fili  deWbejirffyiV 
gives  his  order?,  and  with  hi?  mdinl  i^rthr.ige  he  V^.'tt'ores  "tlie' Vtcken 
courage  of  the  Wfmndeil  poldii-i-s.  In  b?i»  cnunteitance  whiHi  all'?e\'I<.  fb 
read,  (here  Khine.^  a  pu[)renit'  (•alinlu'.«.^  >VhTeh  fills  ihe'V'ortl  with  CT^rt'rt- 
denco  and  Rheds  the  diviiii'  balm  of  faith  over  the  ■n-ontid<^d.  Wth^^^o 
soli  mn  hours  the  ^Tirgi'ou  is  the  dep*Ssitory  of  great  iny'sfeVie<;.  The 
dying  confides  to  hiiri  hi«  touching  atlien.^  for  hip  di-Xt  nt  fa'if)iI.y-^^6U(! 
remits  his  wealth,  anctlier  his  si-crits.  Tlie  general,  the  otlScer  ai'id  'tiro 
soldier,  aftnr  the  battle,  hear  only  the  soVi^.*!  of  triumph  aiid  the  ;  li.difs 
of  joy  ;  the  Surgeon  only  heii*s  the  Idng  groati  of  tin'  !arh»y. 

"When  night  comeR  nil  sleep  iMit  liini'— vigilant  se^i' 
watches  among  the  wounded.  The  next  d-ay,  worn  d(»wn  wii.'; 
and  watching,  ho  takes  ap  the  lifte  of  mercU  Av'ith  *'h>'  "'^  '  >   . 

going  from  (»ne  to  another ;  hpre  soimdiil^  a  WofrtSrl  in   t:  '•I'h' 

B  uking  a  ball  in  the  labyriiith  of  the  hrrman  bn  as'-:^giH'iii_t,'  :iihm  a.  (lA, 
and  thus  to  Rpc/Jik,  pov.ing  lifVi  .*dl  around  him  ;  strnggl'.ng^  iVi'def^eW- 
tion  againfit  deatV,  invcmlin'Jj,  improvisitig  meth6d;=i  stiiMdylng  tiiaterir;l 
means  by  force  of  intelligenoc,  transferring  pl.*iiks  antl  to-jk'ft  ^nto'titt- 
pinatUP,  and  at  lenglli  tening  liis  own  clothes  iil'.o  Mhreds  to 'stail^yjh 
lh<^  blood  of  the  Wounded.  'TIiJr  Ib  tlW>  irrtelKge^it  Straggle  of  pref^t.-r- 
vation  ag.aiust  the  Itlimi  struggle  of  destruction.'  ,         ' 

Such  JB  the  man  that  yon  have  se^n  •W^*rchi^'^  ihnth»?^flr  rtf't^  -  h  ft 
of  hi."  regiment,     tlonnr'thon  this  man  who  apy. 
praying  sister  of  cli.'ifily  and  the  dying  soldier, 
is  a  thousaad  tiiUea  ftacr^d.     Wives,  riioth^s   and  nsrers   wr; 
silence  of  the  fireside,  trenihJe   for  tiho=o   >V4io  t'"r   IVoim  \t.ii 
the  gloriou.s  duties  of  war,  calm   yortr  f»Wrfe'^-'^' 
wjif-hing  OTer  those  wbi'»T>i  V""  1'"  .. 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  101) 


THE  COIIISSAM  A^^D  QUARTEEMASTER 

rr'MKTMECTS. 


Tiit'.-^f  departments  ate  justly  ('ntifled  to  spaen  in  this  little  volume. 
Xotwidistandijig  a  sel/'ConT)c1iOn  "wartis  me  of  my  inability  to  do  the 
subjt'Ct — n  c;entlemavi  connected  flierewith — full  justice,  yet,  lest  thev 
should  .leensi'  me  of  not  lliiukiri^  well  of  them,  I  shall  endeavor  to  say 
somethiiitr,  let  that  ^*fff  etlriiiff  ^Ji?  ever  so  l^m. 

Of  our  oid  A.  C.  S.'r  ;\!i(l  A.  Q.  M.'s  I  can  fay  but  little,  either 
•^nod,  bad  or  indilTfrent.  save  that  Maj.  I>iOM-urig{^  di(>d  of  wounds  re- 
cmvfd-ftt  th«  bfttfie  ot'Cishiiiri,  wiiile  eonveying  orders  across  the  field 
fi'oin  rjen:'^fl)!'y:" 

Of  Capt.  H.  E.  Leobtyetz''  1  could  not  Bpeak  too  commendatory. 
Why  he  it'fl  UK  to  take  the  rank  of  Major  in  the  Clotliing  Bureau  in 
Tcx-is  is  a  mystery.  As  a  bu5inP.=s??' TOan,  a  courteous  gentleman,  and 
•1  go^d  quart t-iinaster,  he  had  but  few,  if  any,  superiors  in  our  army. 
Hfp  old  i't>|i;inirht  deeply 'regret  l^ii.-<'loSfe. '■■ 

{':■..  Z.'5-.'Wilghn,of  "fhr  S,'0(1«d,  Jttid  Capt.  Fisher,  of  the  Third, 

"— ■■'^ic  rttid  ttr.-l-'      '''I'V*?,  who  are  justly  v^ry  popularTrith 

fttid   Utir]  The  fovmer,  if  I   mistake  not,  ha.*; 

:r,  >sr  nniHim.v  fl't*omlm*>  t".  ■>\f,  iuSt  seX  arid  good   music,  fast  horses 

and  gii.)d  teams,  together  with  a  plenty  of  "forage"  for  No.  2. 

(Japt.  i}ir!?lifiHld,  (rf fhe  'Bjitfaiion,  has  repeatedly  been  offered  pro- 
iiiot'^oiis,  in  coA?eqMeft<«<i  of  his  business  qualificatioBS,  but  cc'jniescin'' 
in  th-e  wi'^h  of  hi's  'MMn,  he  has  i-efused  oVc  ry  one  .so  far. 

To  t)i,>  nn*)rfy)'*^^'v  l^cyiartment  I  am  no  particular  fvierd,  in  con- 

•  '  •loV(*r  of  tlio  good  tbin^?.     I  am  not  dis- 

'  .  b,v*ause  I  didn't  get ^y.     But  "howsom- 

•  A  e  •  jtosfibility  of  myself  and  the  geutle- 

(  now   atttitig  in  that  capacity  fortheBrig- 

nde  '.ivh   er"dTt  for   his  promptness,  as  Well  as 

hi-  •         -frns  in' the   behalf  of  t^roso  who, 

i"  i   i;i ;  iiii^e.;-,  ate  di^josed  to  look  ub  fof'sbtne- 

.  tbirft,  &;c.     '  'I    •  ■  ■"  ■    ■  '     .   '  '  ,  ■  'f    '  ; 

>'.:•,  anorlief  deserving  Hifxti,  "fins  the'pfj^tJoti  df  A; 
(^  '."  'abo\*o  tiamfU'  officers  are  on  fhe  road  to  advauco- 

"m»^rti  '■  iTon.  .  _    ' 

* '  '    D.  Klam  and  J.  WHkins.  c>milji{^g?iHe«  of  thePifst 

mm^         .' ''.  it'^ginipnta,  «h>  both  yntin^  o;^>'<^r8  ot*'ynueh'prd»if»i^o''«tiid' 
};i'.'l!  .vortllk  ■     ■      1 


H» 


A   lll.HroKY  i)V    THK 


O  K  x\  T  I  O  N 

rKI.IVKREO  n\ 

GOVERNOR  F.  MURRAH, 

IN"  Tin; 
C  .^  I=»  I  T  O  Xj  , 

AT  Tin; 

F  u  N  K  R  A  r.   c  E  II  i:  yi  o  N  1 1:  s 

(>\i)n  Tin: 

REMAINS   OF  MAX  GEN.  TOM  GREEN, 

ON  Tin:  2n  DAY  OF  MAY,  1SC4. 


^V(l  come  to  bury  the  remains  of  (rcn.  Tom  Green.  We  come  to 
pay  the  solemn  funenal  rites  duo  to  the  remains  of  a  fallen  hero,  uni- 
versally mourned  and  honored.  We  are  not  the  only  mouriierH  over 
the  cor.se  of  the  distinf^uishcd  dead.  All  Texas  grieves — and  a  family 
of  States,  united  in  the  mighty  struggle  in  which  lie  fought  and  fell, 
join  in  the  lamentationH  at  his  loss. 

The  name  of  Gen.  Grctn,  like  tliat  of  Morgan,  of  Forrest  and  of 
Stonewall  Jackson,  is  a  familiar  household  word  throughout  the  Con- 
federate States;  and  is  this  day,  from  the  Potomac  to  the  Kio(Jrand«», 
lisj)ed  in  praise  and  in  sorrow  by  the  stern  soldier  underarms,  the  citi- 
zen pursuing  his  <laily  avocations,  th«  female  engaged  in  the  cares  of 
ilomestic  life,  and  the  youth  of  the  land,  lired  with  a  pure  ambition  by 
liis  noble  deeds.  A  nation  mourns,  and  bows  in  grief  with  the  stricken 
and  di.^consolate  family  of  tlie  distinguished  patriot  and  warrior. 

But  a  few  brief  weeks  since,  ho'was  here,  full  of  health  and  buoy- 
«ncy,  enjoying  a  few  days  of  recreation — snatched  from  the  stern  busi- 
ness of  war — in  the  bosom  of  his  family,  and  surrounded  by  friends, 
greeted,  and  lovid,  and  honored  by  all.  And  now  he  lies,  in  the  cold 
embrace  of  death,  within  the  Capitol  of  that  State  for  which  lie  had  so 
oftrn  periled  his  life  on  the  fields  of  strife  and  of  blood,  and  to  which 
his  servicea  had  been  dedicated  from  youth  to  that  all-fatal  hour. 

It  is  the  approjiriate  place  for  performance  of  these  solemn  ceremo- 
nies over  his  mouldering  dust.  It  is  meet  that  his  remains  should  here 
He  in  state,  and  that  his  friends  and  his  countrymen  should  unite  in 
doing  him  homage,  and  in  manifcpting  th^-ir  sense  of  his   great  worth 


OLD  tlULEJ  BBItJADK.  lil 

and  irreparable  loss.  It  is  meet  that  his  coffin  shouhl  ho  adorned,  a?  it. 
is,  with  tlowers  and  green  li'uiglis,  gathered  iVoni  the  g^ar  lens  and  for- 
ests of  Texas,  and  arranged  by  the  hands  of  matron  and  maiden  ;  and 
that  over  it  should  droop  the  flag  of  his  country.  We  cannot  bono*' 
him  beyond  measure,  for  he  fought  and  died  lor  all  that  is  sacred  to  us. 
It  is  meet  that  thit.  Capitol — over  that  heart  that  no  longer  beats — 
over  that  face  no  longer  illumined  with  smiles,  save  the  smile  of  th(! 
■warrior  in  death — that  the  officers  of  the  State  and  the  Confederacy 
should  unite  in  doing  these  honors  ;  aud  that  the  roar  of  cannon  and 
the  strains  of  martial  music — which  so  often  on  the  field  of  carnage 
stirred  his  great  heart — should  reverberate  through  these  halls,  aud 
ocho  a^ul  re-echo,  from  hill  top  to  hill  top,  tht'  solemn  funeral  dirge, 
and  be  borne  away  on  the  waves  of  the  Colorado,  on  whose  banks  was 
his  chosen  home,  and  upon  which  he  spent  so  many  hours  in  recreation 
aud  manly  sports. 

While  yet  a  youth.  Gen.  Green  emigrated  from  Tennessee  to 
Texas,  and  participated  in  the  war  then  waged  with  ]\Iexico,  and 
which  resulted  in  the  est.ablishmenl  of  the  Lone  Star  Republic.  He 
was  distinguished  for  gallantry  and  high  soldierly  qualities  at  the  bat- 
tle of  San  Jacinto,  and  there  gaVe  assurances  of  his  future  greatness  as 
a  military  leader.  .Vrom  that  day  forth  he  became  a  marked  man  in 
Texas,  and  in  all  her  troubles,  never  failed  in  the  hour  of  need  to  come 
to  her  assistance  with  that  ardency  and  devotion  which  so  strikingly- 
marked  his  character. 

He  was  associated,  in  deeds  of  daring  and  glory,  with  that  band  of 
heroes  and  of  .statesmen — that  galaxy  of  bright  and  lasting  names  who 
led  the  van  of  civilization  in  Texas,  and  laid  the  foundation,  by  their 
swords  and  counsel,  for  the  empire  of  ft-eedom,  of  law,  and  of  well- 
ordered  government,  on  the  banks  of  the  Sabine,  the  Brazos  and  the 
Colorado.  He  is  numbered  with  the  founders  of  Republics  and  States, 
and  this  proud  association  is  due  to  his  name  on  the  historic  pages  of 
Texas.  He  participated  in  the  stirring  events  which  establislied  that 
Republic.  He  was  an  actor  in  the  immediate  transactions  which 
merged  the  R(?puldic  into  one  of  tho  United  States.  He  raised  his 
voice  and  exerted  his  influence  when  Texas  was  threatened  with  loss  of 
equality,  and  with  manifold  wi'ongs,  in  violation  of  tho  compact,  to 
sever  her  connection  with  the  Federal  Government. 

In  the  contest  for  the  freedoi«  and  independence  of  Texas,  in  the 
Indian  campaigns  which  followed,  and  in  '.he  war  of  the  United  States 
with  Mexico,  he  received  that  martial  training — that  bent  of  mind — 
and  acquired  that  coolness  upon  the  field  which  so  eminently  fitted  him 
for  command  in  the  coming  struggle  of  the  Southern  with  the  Northern 
States,  and  to  which,  in  magnitude,  all  former  w.irs  on  this  continent 
were  in  comparison  but  as  the  grain  of  sand  to  the  towering  moun- 
tain. 

The  contest  camo — the  bloody  and  long  continued  contest — and  he 
stepped  forth  from  the*  bosom  of  a  weeping  family — from  the  circles  of 


112  A  HISTORT  OF  Till: 

frionJship — from  tLc  yiril  walk^  of  lifd—  i  of  freodourd  cnns 

Jle  laid  nsiJc;  the  pen,  and   bwckiud  on   .  Jlf  calhul  to  Li. 

foua»:vvuien — ho  call  .-d  lor  v<iluntt)ors-»-T-;^  t^  thu  coniidonco  in 

l»Vi  oourngts  hi.s  zmI.  and  ability  to  jond,  i    -:  .  ite  atood  at  tlie  hi-ad 

of  a  n^giiucnt  of  choice  epirirs — lljeir  choK-ii  If.ider — pledged  to  lolluw 
whoever  ha  niigUt  Ki^J*  a»d  lo  sbA|*e  with  him  thf  dttn;»er8  .uid  j?ior; 
oi /freedom's  battles.     From   that  day  ft>rtl*i: hie  hiujo  increased — hi 
name  grtrvv  brighter — hi  ior<*  Ki*irioiis. 

There  Wii.s,  in  tliu  lii  luu]  jwtuio  <»(  Gen.  (jreeii,  those  qnali - 

ties  which  ortunoiilly  tiU' '1  ..:  .   ior  .1    '  and  HUiH-v-.-ful  inilitar\- 

chioftain.     Ho   was  cxd   an  I  darin-,  a  fc»ulf.  u;)i>i  tU<'  tield. 

Kvery  inan  in  hir  •  liv'iii  lln-  ijiuaic  lo  \\w  \>fiioer,  fidt  that  ia 

himtliey  had  a  fji.  ir  and  t^-u«,  :ml  that  the  daufjcrri  which  her. 

askfd  them  to  brav*-.  ite  >*•!«  nt  iiU  umus  ve<*djsr  to  ahnre.     Merit  nevord 
escaped  his  penotrati.-ij;  '>ve,  or  passed  nncmnineiidecL     The  laithfulu;. 
soldier  never  bnjught  to  l.iia   his  sowows  and   his  trouldcb,    withont 
being  heeded  and   relievoii.     Th^se   qualitius    tuarkod   his  disposition  1' 
from  th(i  beginning  to  the  end  of  hi.^  milii.iry  career,  and  in  every  rr.nk 
which  he  tilled.     Tin-  country  n^'vot  felt  thai  they  had  lust  a  citizen — 
the  privaXe  soldier  u^  vor  ftdt  thftt;,.U«  hW  lost  a  friend — when  a  Maji  . 
Geneniltihip  w^»  eniiirtret)  niioiij;'l,'Qm  U-jfoen.     He  quitteij  the  pni-suit. 
of   the  private  citizen,  only   when  the  tpusin  of  Avar  Mas   ^;oundedr— 
when  danger  threatened  bis  country^and'  then,  with  Uiu  fond  expcicta- 
tion  ot  r.'tnrning  to  the  pe;ice('id  avocations  of  life  when  the  strife  was 
over,  and  his  country  isave.l.     Ptipans  have  been  sun.i;  lor  nge-s  tg  tli 
memory  of  CiucinnaUin-     Hi.^tory  I'.as   recorded  on  its  brigiitetit  iiag<> 
the  purity  and  KiuipU  ity  of  his  .character,  aa   a   citizen;  hJ8  eoura;_ 
and  readiness  to  «lo  .  b.utlj!  ,as  a  ►soldier  wUen  iioine  wan,  in  d;ini::ei. 
(.)nce  did  he  leave  th*;  plou^ii  and  ifyka  t\w  fw<)rdi  and  liien  only  for  u 
brief  period  of  ti-ii'.    ;llnv- otton  did  Unnsi    leave  the  peaCet id  avoca- 
tions of  a  j>ri\  '     '.eii  j/|f^rnie,nts  of  home,  to  defend  hi 
country.     All  'ide!<T  in   bit^tory  or  in  son;s:  of  th-.i  vir- 
tues ot  tl^e  ]^*ul•lil    111  :    .  jiu*)   jut^iioe  and   truth,  l.u  reovdod  ptj. 
Groen.     The  k;  ;         ■  >  nil  able  dispusitlou — the  .sdine  unpre'u' 
toudjug  patiii  ;lt:ies,i  <d   purpo.<e.-r-were  boantiiully 

blend«d  i»  ^b'  »^''  •  - ^tmin.aud  tjio  Te.xan.     If  C'incin-  . 

natus  was  d>,'arto  ili"  h.  ar(.»i  .4-  the.  Romfm  pj-ople — if  hi.-*  memory  wn&K 
<'nibuhned  if\  their  litei.;)  ,;.>■ — h<>Wj  .c^n  ,4l)'^  memory   of  Green  fail,  so 
long  a^  Lhftfi?  is  n  :6v»'iiu.  :ii   Ivefii*,  ^r,  H,  isoiUherU  literature  to  oher- 
isb  it.  .,         .  .        ;  • 

Uiit  J  will  i)irMlitlMba*ween  tiue&ei  illnstriooaiu 

characierx.     Waui-  iuro  «jj    ma»y  coiubats  and  many  hnrd^.l 

fought  batileH. ,   14.  .nvni  i^fi  the  oce»wi«>n  was  great,     ik*  roso?'. 

to  the  full  pronortionh  oJL'  .i.\4.i-ut   nylitary  chieftain  ho  soqu  as  the  opt/- 
portunity  wa.s   offered.     His   laind    worked    with    nion!    intensity,  and  t 
with  the  Banie  Jiccuracy,  in  the  mid-st  of  the  carn:ii(e  of  contliot,  »:*  if  no 
e.innon  w^nt  forth  their  missiloa  of  death,  and  as  if  ao  danger  was  near. 


OLD  SIBLEY  BfilGADE.  Uy 

Ilis  quick  pevceptiqu  noted  at  once  the  weak  points  in  the  plans  and 
movements  of  the  eninny  ;  and  with  eager  courage,  and  unerring  judg- 
ment, he  at  once  took  advantage  of  them.  The  enemy  were  assailed 
in  a  manner,  at  a  time,  and  with  an  impetuosity  that  overwhelmed 
them  Avith  surprise,  and  routed  and  defeated  them.  Ilis  success  was 
uniform  and  unbroken.  Wherever  his  hattle-ilags  wavd  spread  to  the 
breeze,  and  the  charge  ."bounded  to  his  invincible  battalions,  the  contest 
was  short — the  shout  ot  triumph,  went  up — and  victory  reposed  in 
pride  upon  his  floating  banners.  While  others  hesitated  and  paused, 
throxigh  caution,  indt^cision,  and  a  feeling  of  uncertainty,  he  bad 
already  surveyed  the  field,  settled  his  plans,  and  was  ci'owned  victor 
of  the  day.  It  was  not  courage,  coolness  and  daring  alone  that  gave 
Green  his  triumplis,  and  inspired  with  conliJeuce  the  martial  banda 
that  followed  and  obeyed  him.  It  was  mind,  discrimination,  judgment, 
genius — that  loft^' selt-rcliance  and  fearlessness  of  vesponsibility  which 
mark  all  great  souls. 

These  illustrious  qualities  Avere  emineutly  displayed  in  that  battlo 
Avliich  won  for  him  from  commander  and  oilicer,  and  private  soldiers, 
wh(  re  there  were  so  many  distinguished  for  their  gallantry,  the  proud 
distinction — the  hero  of  Val  Verde.  They  were  again  displayed  at  the 
battle  which  Avrested  Galveston  from  the  possession  of  the  insolent  foe, 
A  wail  of  distn.'ss — a  cry  for  help,  was  heard — and  Green  stood  upon 
ihe  bayous  of  Louisiana,  surrounded  by  his  veteran  legions,  ready  for 
the  conflict  Avith  vastly  superior  numbers  of  the  foe.  In  a  fieAv  brief 
months,  Lafourche,  Burbeaux,  Brashear  City,  Donaldsonville,  For- 
doche,  and  numerous  other  battles  had  been  fought — the  tide  of  vic- 
tory turned — the  enemy  everyAvhore  checked,  defeated  and  driven 
back  and  overAvhelmed,  in  confusion  and  dismay.  Thousands  of  them 
had  been  slain,  numbers  of  prisoners  taken,  and  millions  of  property 
captured.  A  sense  of  relief — a  feeling  of  re-inspired  hope,  were  again 
experiened  by  the  people  of  that  doAvn-troddeu  and  almost  enthralled 
State  ;  and  men,  Avomeu  and  children,  everyAvhere,  rose  up  to  shout 
the  deeds,  and  bless  the  name  of  Green.  The  very  streams  (hat  Avater 
that  fertile  soil  echoed  Avith  his  achievements,  and  murmured  his  glo- 
ries ;  and  their  Avaves,  catching  the  sounds,  rolled  them  upon  the  glad . 
Avaters  of  that  gulf,  upon  whose  bosom  he  has  so  often  sported,  and 
upon  AA'hose  shores  he  had  first  illustrated  his  gallantry  as  a  soldier. 

W^ithiu  the  space  of  tAvo  years  he  had  fought  and  won  lifteea  or 
twenty  battles,  at  points  distant  from  each  other  a  tliousand  miles  or 
more.  His  poAvers  of  endurance,  and  the  cheerfulness  with  AA^hich  he 
submitted,  Avithout  n  murmur  to  hardship  and  suffering,  inspired  his 
soldiers  AA'itk  the  same  .spirit,  and  likena  him  to  the  first  of  Avarriors. 
Qualities  less  illustrious — labors  les-s  arduous  and  important — patriotism 
less  arduous  and  less  devoted — deified  many  an  ancient  hero. 

But  his  course  was  not  yet  ruu.  ills  services  to  his  country 
Avere  not  y«t  finished.  Tho  monum^ut  of  h'u  fame  Avas  )iot  yet 
completed. 


114  A   HISTORT  OF  'JliB 

Tl»e  oneiiiT  reassembled  their  shattered  forces ;  increased  their  num- 
bers to  a  vapt  array  ;  made  new  combinalions.  and  laid  iu?w  plans,  ti> 
attack  and  ovirwhidm  the  Trans-Mississippi  Department,  and  to  Iruild 
upon  our  ruin  the  foundations  of  their  own  unholy  power.  'I'he  deiiant 
and  insolent  liosts  had  to  be  met,  crushed  and  expelled  from  the  land, 
polluted  by  their  presence ;  or  else  our  ruin  was  certain,  our  hope* 
blasted,  and  our  liberties  gone. 

If  the  battle  of  Tour?  saved  Europe  from  the  Cresceut,  and  secured 
to  it  the  triumph  of  the  Cruss — if  the  battles  of  Salamis  and  Plataja 
saved  Greece  from  Asiatic  rule,  and  secured  to  her  that  freedom  and 
nationality  which  still  Hves  in  her  literature — her  history — her  elo- 
quence— in  the  triunijjhsof  her  arts  and  sciences,  and  in  the  inimnrfal 
songs  of  her  poets — what  shall  we  say  of  the  importance  to  Texas — to 
the  wliole  Trans-Mississipjii  Department,  and  to  the  whole  Cimfede- 
racy — of  the  battles  of  the  Sth  and  9th  of  April,  ISGl.  at  Mansfield 
and  Pleasant  Hill?  The  time  to  estimate  their  v.4lue,  and  to  appreciate 
their  conserjuences,  has  not  yet  come.  May  they  be  to  us  as  were  tho 
battles  of  Salamis  and  I'latiea  to  Greece. 

Maj.  fren.  Green  was  there  witti  his  invincible  bands  about  him — 
tho  veterans  of  many  a  M'ell-fonght  field — tho  companions  in  arms  of 
his  glory.  Hither  he  came  to  triunjph  or  to  perish.  lie  well  knew  the 
importance  of  the  deadly  conflict,  and  success  or  death  was  tho  only 
thought  that  ruled  his  mind  and  fired  his  heart,  lie  turned  to  the 
Capitol  of  Texas,  ono  fond,  anxious  gaze — his  home,  his  fatnily.  IIo 
drew  his  sword  and  threw  away  the  scabbard.  On  these  imperishable 
fielde,  he  exhibited  the  most  cunsumato  generalship,  as  if  his  last  {bat- 
tles were  to  be  his  greatest,  his  last  d<»eds  bequeathed  to  his  comitry- 
men,  the  most  brilliant  and  lasting.  Ney  was  never  more  daring  and 
reckless  of  life — Najxdeon  never  more  cool  and  calculating,  in  the  midst 
of  carnage,  and  Avhen  contending  with  f^'arful  odds  against  him.  IIo 
seemed  inspired  with  more  than  human  courage,  and  with  more  thaa 
human  power.  The  inspiration  that  iired  his  own  bosom,  Mas  caught 
by  all  who  followed  and  obeyed  liim,  and  by  all  who  witnessed  tho 
displays  of  his  valor.  In  the  midst  of  the  smoke  and  din  of  battle,  his 
towering  form  was  seen,  as  if  some  mysterious  genius  of  the  strife,  se- 
cure from  the  missiles  of  death  ;  moving  on  wherever  danger  was  most 
threatening,  animating,  leading  and  directing  his  fearless  followers. 
Success  attended  wherever  he  led  ;  and  the  enemy,  assailed  unexpect- 
edly in  front  and  rear,  and  routed  and  defeated,  either  surrendered  as 
prisoners  of  war,  or  lied  in  confusion.  Our  army  was  composed  of 
heroes,  all.  They  were  nioni  than  Spartan  bands — and  none  more 
heroic,  more  daring,  more   distinguished,  than   the  hero  of  Val  Verde. 

But  when  the  TrRns-]\Iississippi  Departni(>nt  was  ringing  with 
shouts  of  joy  over  these  triinnplis,  and  with  praises  to  his  name,  and 
thanksgivings  ascending  to  the  (Jod  of  Hosts,  for  the  deliverance 
vouchsafed  to  the  people — when  he  was  gathering  up  the  spoils  of  vic- 
tory, and  laboring  to  cut  off  from  the  euemy  all  moans  of  escape — when 


OLD  SIBLET  BRPQASE.  US 

i{"hirty  raiuutes  more  of  life,  spared  to  him,  would  have  ensured  to  our 
arms  another  brilliant  success  iu  the  capture  of  transports  and  gun- 
boats— when  aJ.l  'jyes  were  turned  to  him  iu  increased  admiration  and 
wonder — Oh  !  how  shall  I  utter  the  calamity  that  then  befell  my  coun- 
try — that  made  even  these  victories  gloomy  and  dearly  bought — Green 
fell — a  bleeding  sacrifice  upon  her  altar — amongst  the  first  of  great 
martyrs  to  oui*  cause  in  the  Trans-Mississippi  Department.  He  had 
Jived  enough  for  his  own  fame,  but  not  enough  for  his  country.  Ilia 
example  will  endure.  His  deeds  can  never  perish.  He  will  live  iu 
.the  hearts  of  his  countrymen —  a  monument  more  broad  and  enduring 
tlian  inscriptions  on  brasa,  or  entablatures  of  marble. 

"But  strew  his  ashes  to  the  wind 
Whose  sword  or  voice  has  served  mankind — 
Aud  is  he  dead,  whose  glorious  miud 

Lilts  thino  on  hi;^h ? 
To  life  in  hearts  we  leave  behind 

la  not  to  die.*' 

We  must  all  be  gathered  to  the  tombs  of  our  fathers  ;  and  the  be- 
reaved family  of  the  departed  patriot  should  find  consolation  in  the 
brilliant  sunset  of  his  life,  and  in  the  honors  of  his  name — more  to  them 
than  treasures  of  gold.  The  public  sympathy  and  the  public  regard 
will  attend  them.  The  ofiices  of  a  delicate  and  true  friendship  will  not 
be  found  wanting.  The  muse  of  song  and  the  pen  of  the  historian  will 
hand  down  his  name  in  honor,  and  future  generations,  as  they  shall 
come  on  the  shores  of  time,  shall  rise  up  to  call  him  blessed.  His 
friends  and  companions,  the  officers  of  that  high  judicial  tribunal  to 
which  he  was  so  long  attached,  who  knew  him  best,  and  appreciated 
his  manly  and  social  qualities,  who  never  met  him  but  with  pleasure, 
and  never  parted  with  him  but  with  regret,  can  never  forget  those 
pleasing  associations.  Time  will  only  serve  to  make  these  impres- 
.'^ions  deeper  upon  the  heart,  and  memory  will  cherish  them  with  "miser 
care." 

"So  sinks  the  day  star  in  the  ocean  bed. 
And  yet  anon  repairs  bis  drooping  head, 
And  tricks  his  beams,  and  with  new  spangled  ore 
Flames  in  the  forehead  of  the  morning  sky." 

The  authorities  in  the  State  would,  in  the  name  of  the  people,  have 
taken  a  mournful  pride  in  receiving  these  remains — a  sacred  trust — in 
depositing  them  in  the  State  Cemetery — in  placing  them  by  the  side  of 
the  remains  of  Burleson,  of  McCulloch,  of  Hemphill — in  marking  by 
appropriate  monuments  their  last  resting  place.  But  his  own  wishes, 
expressed  in  antieipation  of  his  fall,  according  with  that  modesty  and 
true  dignhy  of  nature  which  were  so  strikingly  prominent  in  his  char- 
acter, and  the  inclinations  oi  a  bereaved  and  affectionate  family,  point 
to  the  family  burial-ground  as  the  appropriate  plate  for  their  last  r«- 
poso. 


nt  A  niSToKY  OF  Tin: 

Tlioro  1ft  tlirrn  icpnfsft  in  pofu'o ;  axul  nvor  ihnt  grave  l»»t  tlic  wild 
vino  and  tin-  Howors,  and  tlio  plrnitP.  nourished  l»y  Imiid  of  nfiVction, 
fntwinf  tl»<>mselves.  Over  lluU  grave  lot  the  wild  birds  sing  thoir  un- 
tJWght  s«iugH,  and  tlio  blue  waves  of  the  C<dorndo,  by  night  and  by  daj*. 
hum  iheir  requicMns.  There  bt  the  first  beams  of  morn  and  the  last 
rays  of  evening  linger.  And  there  let  the  moonljeams  repose  in  beauty 
and  proclaim  departed  day  and  the  reign  of  night.  There  let  friend- 
t»hip  .ind  affection,  free  from  the'  noisy  outrusions  of  (he  vorld,  pour  put 
their  sorrotN's.  Around  that  unpretending  grave,  let  youth  be  instruct- 
ed and  inspired  by  tho  example  and  heroic  deeds  of  him  •who  there  lies 
buried.  And  there  let  manhood  and  ago  gather,  and  own  bow  beauti- 
ful the  end  of  life  is  when  it  ( iids  in  glory.  That  spot  needs  no  monu- 
ment of  stone  or  marble,  wrought  by  the  cunning  hand  of  art,  to  mark 
and  distinguish  it.  It^  sacn  d  associations  will  attract  every  passer-by, 
every  vi.sitor  to  tlie  Capitol  of  Texa.'^,  every  sojourner  through  the  coun- 
try, and  to  it  will  be  turned  the  admiring  gaze  of  thousands  afar  oil, 
•who  can  never  visit  the  spot.  It  will  be  enougli  to  awaken  a  thousand 
sacred  reeollections,  and  to  inspire  the  heart  with  the  loftiest  pur- 
poses— for  the  last  wanderer  who  shall  linger  about  tliis  simple  and  un-- 
pr^'uding  grave,  to  sav  no  more  tlian  this  :     Here  lies  the  remainR  of 

T*M    C^FPV  ! 


V 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  117 

MEN  OF  NO  RANK. 


I3ut  as  the  Yankees  -wouUl  say, "  of  great  notoriety."  Altliough 
the  name?  of  John,  William  and  Wade  may  not  fill  pages  of  otir  fu- 
ture history,  or  the  cognomens  of  Bon.  Frasier,  R.  J.  Smith,  J.  K.  ISix- 
on,  or  Gravell  Shaw,  neither  thoso  of  Norvell,  Patterson,  and  a  host  of 
others,  in '^recounting  their  daring  deeds  in  their  country's  cause,  yet 
their  names  deserve  to  be  long  remembered.  And  this  not  only  for 
their  deeds  of  daring,  but  also  for  their  manly  moral  worth,  as  zealous 
soldiers.  A  grateful  people  will  reward  thorn  none  the  less  notwith- 
standing their  names  are  to  be  found  on  history's  page  in  neither 
SMALL  nor  LARGE  capitals  for  noble  deeds  of  daring  as  well  as  for 
unflinching  devotion  to  our  cause.  Their  names,  with  scores  of  others, 
will  be  a  rich  and  bright  legacy  to  them  in  years  yet  to  come  when 
this  cruel  war  is  over. 

Although  the  graves  of  Bud  Morgan,  John  Porter  and  young  Ab- 
bot Joe  Doss,  and  Pendleton  Francis,  like  many  of  their  now  sleeping 
companions,  are  yet  unmarked,  they  "still  live"  in  the  memory  of  their 
old  comrades. 

The  graves  of  our  noble  dead  are  to  be  found  from  where  the 
hoarse  ringing  sound  of  battle  Avas  echoed  back  in  Oanon  glor'etta 
across  the  wide  domain  of  the  "Lone  Star  State,"  through  the  swamps 
of  Louisiana,  on  the  banks  of  the  "Father  of  rivers."  aye,  in  the  Cres- 
cent City,  on  the  briny  deep,  at  home,  and  amongst  strangers,  in  soli- 
tary places  and  in  noted  cemetaries.  For  them  wo  should  not  forget  to 
otfer  up  a  prayer.  Their  memory  will  long  be  revered.  Those  who 
liave  fon;;ht  in  this  crnel  crusade  against  us  for  honor  and  title,  ar(? 
alike  the  minions  and  hai*pies  of  destruction  who  fight  against  us  for 
money.  lie  who  has  done  his  duty  in  this  our  struggle  for  life,  liberty 
and  honor,  and  has  won  for  himself  the  appellation  "a  good  soldier," 
whether  he  be  a  private  or  a  Corporal,  a  full  General  or  a  Lieutenant, 
will  deserve  in  unison  that  gloiy  which  we  all  are  now  free  to  accord  to 
Lee,  Beauregard,  Jackson  and  Green.  All  things,  military  as  well  as 
civil  and  commercial,  must  need  have  chiefs,  superintendents  or  heads. 
Thus  it  is  WH  hr.ve  officers  in  the  army.  Fellow  soldier,  1  beg  you  not 
to  hide  that  gay,  lightheaded  jiarlor  doll,  who  would  treat  3'^ou  with 
scorn  and  contempt  in  order  to  court  the  favors  of  some  slick  faced, 
finely  dressed  official.  Poor  thing!  she  is  more  to  be  pitied  by  you 
than  condemned  by  her  sex.  No  doubt  "Maggie,"  our  own  pootoss 
"Nlnc-iri''.  liif;  reference  to  this  in  her  ballad  entitled  "Buttons: 

I  know  of  none  fbat  hAlf  so  \v<'ll 
Deserve."?  a  poet's  tongue  to  foil 
Ili.'s  noblo  (loedi?  of  lasting  faino. 
Tliat  win  for  liim  an  honored  ntirne. 
Xo  hero  can  by  Utittons  Btaml, 
llv  is  the  prourlestor  the  land. 


IIS  A  iiK^^ToKY  or  'niK 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


COL.  WM.  P-  HARDEMAN. 

The  subject  of  this  brief  skotch  was  bora  in  Williamson  connty, 
Middle  Tennessee,  on  the  4th  of  November,  1826;  and  in  the  fall  of 
1835  moved  from  Ilardimnn  county.  West  Tennessee,  to  Texas.  He 
served  as  a  private  through  the  Texas  devolution  in  Era.stus  (Deaf) 
iSniith'H  company,  and  partieipafed  in  the  battle  of  San  Jacinto,  where 
he  was  slightly  wounded.  Si)nie  time  in  1842  he  settled  in  Matagorda 
couutv,  Texas,  where  he  lived  until  184^,  when  he  moved  to  Gaudalupo 
county,  and  settled  on  the  Shu  Marcas  river,  below  the  town  of  Prairie 
Lea.  In  1S4()  he  served  as  a  private  in  Capt.  ]Jen  ^[cC'ollock's  spy 
company,  fu  tlje  Missouri  river.  Being  of  a  conciliating  disposition, 
slow  to  form  an  oi>inion  or  to  pass  judgment  on  (!ven  the  most  trivial 
thinirs,  at  the  commencomeni  of  this  v/ar  he  was  disposed  to  "look  be- 
fore he  leaped  ;"  consequently  he  did  not  rush  into  things,  as  many  do, 
blindlv.  After  secession  and  war  had  btjcone  iixed  facts,  he,  like. all 
men  of  true  worth,  placed  not  only  all  of  his  means  and  energy,  but  al- 
so his  life  at  his  country's  service.  The  tocsin  of  war  had  hardly 
sounded  ere  he  was  busily  engaged  in  raising  a  company  for  the  ser- 
vice. On  the  20th  of  September  his  company  was  organized  by  1^3 
unanimously  electing  him  their  Captain.  At  lirst  some*  fears  were  en- 
tertained of  its  not  being  received  iu  consequence  of  not  being  needed. 
Such  w.as  not  long  the  case.  Another  war  wind  came,  and  Captain 
Hardeman  took  up  the  line  of  march,  "armed  to  the  teeth  with  shot 
and  K({uin-el  guns"  for  San  Antowio.  The  company  was  nuisterrd  into 
service  on  the  27th  of  August,  1861,  "ft)r  during  the  war,"  and  was 
placed  upon  the  list  as  "A"  company  of  the  first  Regiment  of  the  Sib- 
ley Urigade. 

At  the  battle  of  \'al  Verde  he  was  wounded  twice.  For  the  great 
j^allantry  displayed  at  the  siegt!  of  Albuquercjue,  in  New  ^lexico  on  the 
(jth  of  April,  where  he  with  liis  company  defended  the  place  against 
LOOU  of  the  enemy,  under  Major  Duncan,  he  was  promoted  Lientenant 
Colonel  of  the  first  Regiment.  'J  aking  command  of  the  Regiment  a 
few  days  afterwards,  he  was  chiefly  instrumental  in  bringing  the  Val 
A'erde  battery  through  the  mountains  ;  and  for  the  zeal  and  untiring 
energy  displayed  on  this  occasion,  ho  ivceived  the  highest  commenda- 
tion not  only  of  the  entire  comnumd,  but  also  from  the  commanding 
Ceneral.  He  continued  in  command  of  the  Regiment  until  it  arrived 
at  San  Antonio  in  July.  1S62,  nnd  was  furloughod.     At  the  taking  of 


OLD  SIBLEY  BKIGADK  119 

Galveston  ho  again  commanded  the  Regiment  (IJiley  the  Brigade.)^— 
Shortly  after  this  ho  was  assigned  by  Gen.  i^lagrnder  to  tho  comman  d 
of  the  lirst  Texas  Partisan  Ranger  Brigade,  in  which  capacity  ho  serv- 
ed until  the  20th  of  June,  when  he  rejoined  his  old  Regiment  on  tho 
march  towards  Brashear  City,  as  fnll  Colonel. 

At  the  desperate  assault  on  Fort  Biitlcr,  ho  commanded  our  left 
wing.  Here  again  he  displayed  unusual  coolness  and  daring  courage. — 
Shortly  after  the  battle  of  Fort  Blister  ho  was  taken  very  sick,  and  was 
absent  until  a  few  days  before  the  battle  of  Burbeaux.  He  was  placed 
in  command  of  the  Brigade  a  few  days  after  tliis  battle,  and  as  its  com- 
mander he  distinguished  himself  on  several  occasions  before  leaving 
for  Texas  in  the  fall  of  18G3.  He  was  in  command  of  the  Brigade  on 
its  march  to  Texas,  and  the  greater  part  of  the  time  while  there.  On 
taking  up  the  line  of  march  for  Louisiana  in  the  spring  of  1864,  ho  was 
still  in  command  of  the  Brigade.  At  Mansfield  he  started  in  .as  com- 
mander of  his  Regiment ;  but  ere  the  close  of  that  day's  bloody  work, 
he  commanded  the  Brigade,  leading  his  men  forward  with  his  usual  in- 
trepid valor.  At  Pleasant  Hill  he  was  placed  in  command  of  the  ex- 
treme right  wing,  consisting  of  his  own  and  Terrell's  Regiment.  Here 
it  was  that  ho  again  showed  himself  in  bis  true  light.  Brave  even  to  a 
fixult,  he  rallied  Iws  rnen  as  none  who  saw  him  could  have  done,  and 
with  a  desperation  worthy  bf  our  cause,  ho  tried,  but  tried  in  vain,  to 
check  the  advancing  columns  of  tho  enemy,  who  were  ten  times  hia 
strength. 

On  the  20th  of  January  1864,  he  was  commissioned  by  General  Smith 
as  Brigadior  General;  but  for  some  reasons  known  only  to  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  the  Confederate  army,  his  commission  was  not  ap- 
proved. At  the  battle  of  Stansuria  he  was  placed  in  command  of  the 
Jirigade.  I  am  told  that  in  this  fight,  as  the  Biigado  was  brought  into 
line  and  the  order  was  given  for  him  to  charge  the  enemy's  position,  in 
taking  his  post  and  giving  the  comuiand  "Forward,"  he  shed  tears  on 
seeing  his  men  falling  around  him  by  the  murderous  fire  of  the  enemy's 
artillery,  as  he  advanced  through  the  open  field.  This  I  do  not  doubt, 
since  knowing  him  as  do  all  others  who  have  been  under  him  as  being 
possessed  of  one  of  the  most  tender  heartn  for  his  men.  The  follow- 
ing is  an  extract  from  a  letter  written  by  him  to  Gen.  Green  on  an  oc- 
casion when  nearly  one  half  of  our  Brigade  was  on  the  sick  list,  and 
one  half  of  the  patients  treated  in  tho  ho.spitais  were  dying.  The 
letter  will  speak  for  it.'^idf.  It  had  the  desired  effect.  In  a  few  days 
an  order  came  to  furlough  tne  sick.  Many  are  now  living  who  would 
have  died  had  it  not  been  written  : 

Head  Qiarter-s  Fourth  Texas  Cavalry,  » 
October  25th,  1863.      ) 
Brigadier  Gen.   Green,  commanding  Division: — Believing  that  Major 
General   Green    liad  authori/ced  you  to  furlough  such   sick  men  as  the 
Brigade   Surgeon  certified  that  a  change  of  climate  and  diet  was  neees- 


120  A  lIIST(^i(Y  OF  THJ: 

Hfiry  to  their  rosovc: y,  I  on  yesterday  forwarded  througU  Col.  B.^gby  a 
list  of  the  namna  with  the  ueot'ss  iry  curaticates  from  my  tlogiiiiuutal 
t>urj^c'Ou  and  a  uole  from  Col.  B.igby  explaining  their  inforuiilitv. — • 
confident  that  you  would  ordi!r  tin*  mou  furl.jughed.  It  hjis.l^i'ua'  r«r 
turned  disapproved  hy  tljo  Senior  Surgeon,  (yivirgo  Couphis.  Ct^uoral, 
I  appealed  to  you  iu  behalf  of  riiose  uieii  when  I  firsl  relumed  to  the 
Uegi:ncnt.  1  have  app(.'alod  through  Col.  Bagby  tp  General  Taylor, 
In  a  word,  I  have  exhausted  all  legitimate  measures  for  their  reliof  in 
vain.  Some  of  these  men  I  have  known  for  years.  They  are  my 
iieighbors^weri- enlisted  by  uie.  Most  of  them  liave  lived  with  you 
and  me  for  two  years,  and  are  I;:io\vn  to  be  good  soldiei'S.  Dr.  Mauny 
Cttiiilies  on  honor  that  a  chan/i-  ot  climate  is  necessary  to  their  recova- 
ry.  That  he  i.s  qualitied  to  ju  Ig;;,  the  fact  that  he  has  nasHo  1  th..'  best 
examination  of  any  surgeon  west  of  the  Missi.ssippi,  is  sutlicieJit  tes- 
timony. That  htj  is  sincere  and  conscientious  I  will  vouch  for.  \ 
have  known  him  from  his  boyhood.  The  question,  then,  is,  shall  I  let 
these  men  linger  and  die  in  camps  1  or  shall  I  send  t  lem  home  on  mv 
own  responsibifity,  and  be  dismissed  from  the  scirvice  tor  so  doing  1 — ■ 
What  little  reputation  I  liave  gained  as  a  soldier,  is  as  nothing  whoa 
plac<'d  in  the  balance  ag.-iinst  the  lives  of  these  men.  I  know  that  t 
could  order  them  home  under  the  pretext  of  getting  clothing  for  their 
companies  ;  but  I  scorn  to  do  a  thing  of  that  kind.  Tliey  are,  in  jus- 
tice, entitled  to  a  furlough.  The  interest  of  the  cause  in  behalf  of 
which  we  have  taken  up  arms  requires  it.  I  will  order  them  regularly 
furloughed  by  the  commanders,  let  the  consequences  be   what  they 

WM.  P.  HARDEMAN* 

Col.  Fiturth   Regiment. 

On  arriving  iu  Arkansas  the  Colonel  was  again  plao'd  in  command 
of  the  Division  while  it  was  on  the  Arkansas  river,  which  position  he 
held  up  to  the  2Gth  of  November,  when  he  was  placed  in  conuaaud  of 
the  Cavalry  Corps. 

1  could  not  use  language  too  expressive  in  eulogizing  him  ss  a  sol- 
dier, an  oliicer  and  a  gentleman,  or  as  a  citizen  or  neighbor  in  time  cf 
]>eace.  No  one  deserves  more  of  his  country  than  Col.  ilarileman  ;  and 
in  years  to  come  for  one  to  be  aljle  to  say  that  he  soldiered  with  (ireen 
and  Hardeman,  will  be  an  honor  equaled  only  by  tho.se  veterans  who 
fought  with  Gordon  at  Port  Jfudson,  or  Beauregard  at  Charleston. — 
When  this  war  is  over  Col.  Hardeman  will  have  the  proud  satisfaction 
of  knowing  that  he  has  done  his  duty,  and  tht^t  a  grateful  proplo  and. 
a  noble  soldiery  appreci;ite  him  f!)r  his  services. 

COL.  HENRY  C.  lii'NEILL. 

Was  born  in  Natchez,  Miss.,  in  1837,  emigrated  to  Texas  in  1S40, 
entered  college  in  the  Kentucky  Military  Institute,  Franklin  county, 
Ky.,  in  the  fall  of  lb48.  Thenre  he  went  to  the  Western  -Military 
Institnte,  where  he  graduated,  preparatory  to  going  to  the  West  I'oint 


ULD  ijlBLEr  BlllGAUK.  li!l 

Military  Institute,  whero  he  graduated  with  the  highest  houorfi  in 
1S57.  "Gen  Floyd  was  then  S--C rotary  of  War.  From  him  he  receiv- 
ed his  firbt  order  to  report  to  ihn  tirst  lyegiiuent  of  U.  S.  Mounted  Ri-' 
flea  for  duty  as  a  Lieut^;uant  in  Company  B  of  that  Kogiment,  which 
ivas  then  t-'tatioued  at  Fort  Stockton  in  New  Mexico.  Before  joining 
the  Regiment  he  was  promoted  and  assigned  to  duty  as  commander  of 
company  C,  then  stationed  at  Fort  Craig.  At  the  breaking  out  of  tho 
war,  and  ou  hearing  that  Texas  had  seceded,  he  resigned  his  commis- 
sion in  tlie  U.  S.  service,  proceeded  to  Richmond,  and  tendered  his  ser- 
vices to  our  young  Confederacy.  Ho  was  ordered  by  the  Secretary  of 
War,  Pope  Walker,  to  report  to  General  Sible}"  for  duty.  The  latter 
forthwith  sent  him.  as  bearer  of  dispatches  to  Ur.  Clark  of  Texas.  He 
was  also  authorized  by  (reu.  Sibley  to  proceed,  immediately  on  hi^  ar-. 
rival  in  Texas,  to  the  organizing  of  a  Cavalry  Brigade.  After  mus- 
tering in  several  companies  at  his  own  solicitation,  he  retired  from  this 
dutv.  Shortl}'  after  this  time  he  Received  the  appointment  of  Lieul. 
Col.  of  the  second  Regim  'nt  (fifth  Texas  Cavalry).  In  this  capacity 
he  served  throughout  the  whole  campaign  of  New  Mex,ico — ^staying 
with  his  Regiment  and  performing  the  duties  of  a  valorous  officer.  At 
the  battle  of  Galveston  he  played  a  conspicuous  part,  and  for  his  mili; 
tary  deportment  eneral  Magruder  ordered  him  detached  and  placed  as" 
chief  of  his  staff.  In  this  capacity  he  served  until  Col.  Green  was  pro- 
mott-d  as  Brigadier,  when  he  was  oi-dered  back  to  his  Regiment  as  its 
Colon<d.  In  this  position  he  has  since  served,  both  with  fidelity  and' 
impartiality  ()n  ma«y  occasions  the  Colonel  has  commandt-d  the  Bri- 
gade, always  giving  eutire  ^satisf^ctip;*  to  those  under  him,  as  well  as 
to  his  superiors. 

As  a  gtntli-man  of  the  highest  honorable  scruples,  who  would  scorn 
topertorra  a  mean  act,  the  Colonel  may  have  equals,  but  no  superiors. 
Although  a  graduate  of  distiuguiijliod  honiir^  from  West  Point, 
there  is  one  thing  he  neglected  to  learn  whilst  there— rviz.,  the  knack 
of  shifting  responsibility  and  mishaps — a  thing  in  many  instances  ab- 
solutely necessary  to  insure  speedy  promotion.  At  We3t  Point  ho 
•was  a  classmate  with  Stroi  g  and  Palfreyr-^both  men  of  high  rank  ftt^ 
this  Any — as  are  also  M»iad.  Alexander  and  Berry,  who  command  on 
the  Potomac.  The  Colonel  deserves  well  of  his  c,ounlry.  He  coinr 
nnauded  the  Brigade  through  the  i^lir«  pampaigi|i  of  Ark^iisas,  witu 
rpuch  credit  to  himself. 

WAJ.  SAM.  A.  LOCKRIDaE,"^  i  ' "''  •"" 

The  pride  of  the  armv,  the  wor.shipped  idol  of  the  old  liQh  TeXAJi 
Cavalry,  was  born  in  Jeff.>rson  County,  Ala.,  in  182^,  and  with  his  pa- 
rents when  quite  yonn^C  he  emigrated  to  Mississippi,  whence  he  movod 
to  Texas  in  IS'iO.  In  IS-OI  he  again  starte.l  to  the  "far  we.<it"— this 
tim«'.  to  California.  Here  h';  was  not  contentt'd  wilh  gold  alone,  and 
in  1857  he  i^jined  Walker  in  his  Nicaraaejua  exp'^dition,  in  whose  army 
^10  v'as  made  a  C'plpn«l  of  pavilry.     By  f|i<v»»  coav<njwi«t  trvih  W^k/ 


»v>   history  thf  name    of  Lofkrid{;«  will    appear   tAmviitir.     A   hh»rt 

time  b«  Atri'  tho  r.ipture  of  'NVnlktr  and  his  pjirty,  th*>  auhject  of  tliose 
ninaikp  wnp  iiiortailv  wounded  in  \\w  hp,  .-nvl  c.inn'  to  New  Orlt-ans 
for  tr»'atment.  IIiTr  he  coM)m<  nci-d  the  Ktndy  of  law,  and  {rraJuatt'd 
at  one  of  our  hijiht-et  law  universities,  Ueturninp:  to  Tt-xas  hie  "sLin- 
gle"  was  paft^d  in  Gonijalas  for  a  short  season.  He  was  amongst  the 
first  of  his  patriotic  county  to  enroll  his  name  for  the  defence  of  his 
country.  He  was  appointed  ^lajor  of  the  second  Rtgiuient  at  Colonel 
Green's  solicitation  by  Gen.  Sibloy,  and  as  its  cominimder  on  many  oc- 
casions, he  won  the  entire  conlidouco  and  good  will  of  all  who  were 
uudor  him. 

He  fell  while  nobly  and  heroically  leading  his  column  forw  •  rd  iu 
the  charge  on  the  enemy's  (.McCray's,  now  the  V'al  Vt-rde)  battery. — 
Ju.-itly  has  he  been  styled  the  hero  of  Val  Verde.  In  the  lo.^^a  of  Lock- 
ridge  our  country  and  its  cau^^e  lost  a  uoble,  chivalrous  and  gi-nerou» 
officer.  Words  are  inudequnte  to  express  a  true  sense  of  his  worth. — 
May  the  turf  of  Val  Verde  lay  lightly  on  the  bosom  of  our  sleeping 
hi-ro  !  May  his  ashes  rest  in  peace,  and  may  a  grateful  p-ople  honor 
and  revere  liis  noble  deeds,  and  the  soldiery  of  our  land  emulate  them, 
is  all  that  his  old  comrades  and  friends  can  wish  ;  for  now  that  he  has 
gone  to  the  warrior's  house,  where  with  thu  souls  of  Greene,  Roquet, 
•Shropshire  and  a  host  of  others,  may  wo  but  hope  he  rests  ia  the  hands 
of  his  GoJ  in   pence. 

LIEUT.  COL.  J.  S.  SUTTON. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  emigrated  to  Texas  early  in  the  year 
1836,  and  although  of  a  retiring  and  mod'jst  dispo.sition,  he  soon  gained 
the  confidence  and  est>?em  of  his  companions.  He  wa.H  a  Lieutenant 
in  th«army'of  the  Republic  of  Texas,  where  ho  won  a  name  for  gal- 
lantry and  coolnet-K  in  the  hour  of  danger.  At  the  time  of  his  fall  ou 
the  hard  fought  field  of  Val  Verde,  ho  was  about  forty-five  years  of 
age — small  in  stature,  but  of  good  constitution  Ho  was  a  noble  look- 
ing man — dark,  curly  hair,  dark  complexion,  and  a  clear,  steady  eye, 
indicative  of  the  tirm  and  manly  spirit  that  dwelt  within. 

Like  many  othert*,  at  the  time  he  went  to  Texas  he  sought  adventnro 
and  excitement.  At  one  time  he  would  amuse  himself  by  hunting  in 
the  Very  path  of  the  Indian  ;  at  ariolher  he  might  be  found  Captain  of 
a  scouting  party  ;  and  when  he  did  engage  in  these  expeditions  on  tho 
frontier,  the  ludiurw  had  cause  to  lament  that  they  had  aroused  the 
Texan. 

In  1840  he  engaged,  iu  tho  ill  fated  expedition  t*  Santa  Fe,  under 
the  administration  of  President  Ijamar,  and  of  course  was  captured  and 
driven  to  tho  City  of  .Mexico,  where  he  suffered  ever\  thing  but  death. 
He  was  liberated  some  time  in  the  year  I842,  after  which  he  made  his 
home  ttbout  San  Antonio,  Texas,  always  offering  his  purse  and  services, 
whenever  aud  wherever  noeded.  He  figured  coaspicuously  in  the  war 
^ifli  M^ric*^,  audaftor  iti  c!o»p,  taturued  tohii  old  aad  faaailiar  scoues 


Ol.l>  tjIBLEV  BRlUi.J>*:.  1*.'; 

of  plpasnre  and  the  frontier.  He  was  soon  in  commimd  oi'  a  coniii;»tsy 
of  langtTH,  oQVctive  and  diligent.  After  the  Indian  had  been  mado 
caulidus,  and  eomewhat  taught  lo  remain  Mithin  his  own  bounds,  Col, 
Sutton  sought  a  few  years  of  quiet  and  pleasure  ii\  tiie  bay  is  of  Lavacca, 
Matagorda,  Ef  piritu  Santo,  Aransas  and  CVipue  Chripti.  He  was  now 
enjoying  the  liberty  for  ■which  he  had  braved  de;.th  and  danger  on 
ma!)y  an  oceaHion,  and  was  thus  pah(«Jng  away  his  <im^,  when  the  blast 
of  the  war  bugle  again  sounded  upon  hits  ears,  culling  for  Southern 
br'ives  to  arm  aud  rcpt  1  the  nioBt  bitter  and  uncompromieing  foe  thAt 
had  ever  yet  threatened  the  country.  The  old  war  spirit  anl  love*'of 
riglit  needed  but  little  to  urge  him  again  to  take  up  his  sword. 

On  the  9th  of  October,  1S61.  he  was  appointed  Lieutenant  Colonol 
of  the  seventh  Texas  Cavalry,  then  organizing  for  the  Diptrict  of  Tex- 
a.s,  New  Mexico  and  California,  and  the  third  Regiment  of  Sibley's 
Brigade,  He  soon  took  his  place  in  the  Kegimeut  and  proved  him- 
uelf  every  way  competent,  and  of  much  assistance  to  Colonel  Steele. 
Companies  A,  B,  F,  J.  and  H.  of  the.Regiment  -"vere  titted  up  to  follow 
on  alter  the  first  and  second  Kegiments,  under  the  command  of  Colo- 
nels Riley  and  Green,  and  J^ieut.  Col,  Sutton  apsumed  command  and 
took  the  road  for  the  field  oi  operations  on  the  Ist  day  of  December, 
18G1.  When  the  liattalion  overtook  the  Brigade,  Gen.  Sibley  cleorlr 
saw  that  he  had  in  Lieutenant  Col.  Sutton  an  officer  upon  whom  he 
could  depend.  Upon  the  arrival  of  the  Brigade  Geh.  Sibley  moved 
bis  command  in  the  directiion  of  Fort  Craig,  and  on  the  16th  of  Feb- 
ruary the  Brigade  moved  up  on  the  plain  in  front  of  the  fort,  and  en- 
deavored to  draw  the  enemy  out  from  under  his  guns.  Here  Lieutenant 
Col.  Sutton  inspired  his  men  with  confidence.  He  occ,npied  our  left 
centre,  and  cool  and  determined,  was  ever  ready  to  meet  any  movement 
the  enemy  made.  Gen.  Sibley  failing  in  his  object,  withdrew  his  com- 
mand, and  in  a  few  days  crossed  to  the  east  side  of  the  river,  and  look 
up  his  line  of  march  to  go  around  the  fort.  On  the  evening  of  the  20th 
of  February  the  enemy  made  a  demonetration  as  though  to  give  ua 
battle  again.  Lieut.  Col.  Sutton  filled  the  hearts  of  his  men  with  con- 
fidence. When  drawn  up  in  lin»?,  he  rode  in  front  of  his  rank.o.  the 
very  ])icture  of  a  brave  and  determined  ofiicer,  and  remarked, — "Tex- 
.-inn,  think  of  your  rights,  and  remember  the  honor  of  Texas."  This- 
was  enough,  with  him  for  a  leader.  But  four  shots  were  fired  on  that 
day;  but  liad  there  been  many,  it  would  have  mattered  little  with  him 
or  his  men.  The  next  morning,  the  L'lst  of  February,  about  9  o'clock, 
tho  battle  of  Val  Verde  began.  In  the  forenoon  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Sutton  commanded  the  detachment  that  protected  the  train,  and  about 
12  o'clock  was  ordered  into  the  Valley.  Soon  the  charge  on  the  bat- 
tery was  ordered,  and  while  gallantly  and  firmly  leading  his  men,  be 
received  a  shot  that  felled  him  to  the  earth  ,  but  raising  him»«'lf  upon 
bis  elbow,  he  pointed  steadily  to  the  battery  and  urged  bis  men  on  as 
they  passed  him,  refusing  all  aid  until  the  fight  was  won. 

In  •  ft*w  A«y«.  M  tke  hriftdt  was  msrinf  oH  frsm  Us  fir?t  battle 


Y94  A  44>:Vri>j:r  CfP  THk 

IMA,  1hc>  -pirit  nf  Tit^ut.  C<Sl.  Pnttofi  (nok  its  iV\<^h..  "Vhe  only  llonor 
paici  him  rtt  tluif  tim^  w.'m:  Ih^  tcftrs  of  h'\A  ircn — a  hiph  pnoomium  in- 
<lpf<l.  l»ut  not  n  phnt'wai^  find  ovfr  the  grnv^  of  as  brav»'  an  ofiic«r  and 
aAtroc  a  man  nS  hfls  tftllcn  niir^Tr  th**  colors  of  thf  Smith. 

A  Frii:m>.  and  an  OFrin-.K  op  ims  Rkoivrnt. 

LIEUT.  COL.  G.  J.  HAMPTON 

fi  Wos  born  in  thf  Stato  of  'l^nnf-sspe,  .ind  fmij^rati'd  to  Thxhs  w'hf'n' 
ijnitH  young,  in  1S3S.  Hv  rotninnndt-d  a  company  in  the  Oortinas  ont- 
bivak,  iu  18o9,  on  the  UioGrmirl.'.  In  lSo'2  he  pHrticiftatt-d  iu  thi<  i-x- 
ploration  pxppdition  to  Now  M-'xico.  Eariy  in  tho  bn-aUinf!:  out  of  this 
war  he  was  chosen  l»y  the  citir-'ns  of  his  county  as  nn  npi-n",  and  Bent 
to  Matamoras  to  purchase  armR  tor  them.  Not  h<  in;^  suro«'Rnful  in  this 
h*'  r»fturni  d  home  and  ininipfiiatcly  oij|.'.u;iKed  a  coinp.-my  I'oj-  tliip  l^rig- 
ade  ((70.  C,  Fr.\st  lu'e^inu'Pt).  For  liis  o^ailantry  and  unHinching  con- 
iduct  at  V«l  Verd^,  he  was  mndo  JUjur  of  tht>  n'.c;iuunt.  After  tho 
death  of  Col.  Keily,  he  -vvaB  pronioted  to  bis  pree«ot  rank,  tv  hf tx}  he  is 
not  apt  lonir  to  stay. 

As  an  ottieer,  he  ie  kind  to  thoBo  under  him.^nnn  attentive  to  their 
A^ants.  Ut  it-  a  »*taim  h  discipiinaiian,  firm  in  th»'  discharge  of  his  du- 
ties, and  brave,  even  to  a  taulf,  on  the  hattlf  fitdd.  'rht-re  in  no  fieW» 
officers  ni)\v  bidon::jin8:  to  thu  Brigado  who  can  show  the  Kame  br^jjht 
rftcftrd  that  Col.  Hampton  can,  in  the  way  of  "leave  of  r.b.«ence."  He 
has  constantly  been  with  his  command,  as  tho  tables  of  distance  and 
battle  wiJl  show.  H-;  han  ui>ver  been  absent  when  an  "aflair"  came 
off. 

Of  the  Colonel  it  can  b«  truly  s.iitl,  that  he  is  a  self-made  man  in 
tiVery  respect.  With  mr»i-e  of  hi.s  kind,  our  cause  would  b«  the  UKm;  se- 
cure, not  a-lone  from  tiie  Yankees',  but  al.-o  from  honK*  cnemi*  t^. 

BRia,  GEN.  WILLIAM  STEELE. 

Of  this  officer  the  author  i«  unabb'  to  give  anything  liko  n  correct 
biographv.  He  wa.'^,  1  am  infonned.  an  Adjutant  General  under  Uen. 
Taylor,  in  tin*  w.\r  with  Mexico  ;  for  his  gall.mtry  in  which  service  ho 
was  j)TOiaoted  to  a  captaincy  in  tho  cavalry  service.  At  the  coin- 
uienfc«Mnent  of  this  war  He  roMgned  hiH  po.sifion  in  that  service, and  was 
appointed  (Jolonel  of  the  Seventh  Texas  Cavalry,  (Third  Regim.'ut,) 
which  position  ho  held  in  the  campnigii  in  New  Mexico.  Shortly 
after  our  return  to  Texap,  he  wati  pi-onioted  to  iJrigadier  (Jeneral  and 
ordered  to  duty  in  the  Indian  Tiirritorv,  as  connnau'h'r  of  that  dii^frict, 
from  thence  to  UtMi.  M.igruder,  whoap?  gued  him  to  the  command  of  thff 
defenceri  of  (lalvi'Stoii  ;  from  tli  rw  to  the  conunand  of  a  rli  vision  of  cav- 
.ilry.  under  fTreen,  inthe  bprinirof  la64,  where  he  won  for  himKelf  a 
never-dyiag  fame  for  his  galbiiitiy  anil  hs  soldierly  qu.>!ifieatinnp; 

.  A*»  an  othcer  Geo.  Steele  (Manila  8e(»ontl  to  none  in  the  Dej)ar(me>it. 
NVith  his  old  rwgimtrtit  his  ul'imory  will  biRg  be  eberihbtjd.  Alihoagh 
noi  'vtJeof:na''  «ow,  t4»oBh»«^'»  miH  f>MA  UiftMtx\^  him  *k  tbnkijli  he 


OLD  SIBLj:Y  BIUGADK.  12iy 

wa?  ypt  tlK'ir>;,  and  the  old  Tiurd  cnn  with  priuo  sav  tlint  ■while  the 
FiisT  ha<i  htM"  U' iiy.  anii  tlio  Second  its  Gieoii,  thi-y  luul  firoir  Steele, 
and  with  honorro  thfiHsHlves  chiim  him  as  theirs. 

The  writttr  h.is  bet'U  disi(pp(»intt'd  in  cmnpilinpj  fiii?  hiopapln  ; 
the  data  so  alisoiutely  necessary  to  have  enabled  him  to  i:;i^e  the  sub- 
ject jnstice  conid  not  be  liad. 

'JMiis  clos>'si  onr  book  on  this  subject.  Thor  are  other  ofBcers  of 
whom  I  .slioald  have  '^pnkett.  R+'ily  deserves  pa«>HS.  His  memory 
will  nevortheies.s!  long  be  cherished,  not  only  by  the  Brigade,  bnt  by 
'he  masses,  who  will  ever  hold  in  sucred  remembrance  thobe  who,  like 
h  n.  feU  on  tli »  tinld  of  honor,  in  th«^  defence  of  home,  ciunlry  and 
cause.  Of  jV[9Jor,  Mcl'hail  and  Lesuenr,  I  c  uild  not  be  too  expressive 
of  praise.     They  deserve  mnch  and  well  ot  tlieir  country. 

In  the  fortluoniing  second  edition  oi  this  .olume,  th'-  author  hopes 
to  be  able  to  lay  before  th'-  reading  woild  a  longer  and  more  deserving 
biography  not  only  of  Gen.  iStt  eie,  but  also  of  other.s  scarcely  made 
mention  of  in  this  work. 

YE^,  YES,  \%E  1%0  r.O\«£R. 

Lines  suggested  on  learning  of  the  death  of  Col.  Phil.  T.  Herbert, 
Sci^cnf/i  Texas  Cavalry,  who  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of  April 
Sth,  1864,  near  Mansjidd,  La  ,  while  gallantly  leading  his  regi- 
ment with  his  usual  coolness  and  intrepidity — which  were  the  <td- 
miration  of  all  who  kruw  him — which  wound  resulted  Jo  tally, 
causing  his  departure  to  the  Spirit  Lend,  July  23d,  18G4. 

BY  LOUDON   B.  W.\RD,  CO.  E.  SRVEXTtf  REG.  TEX.  CAV. 


Yes,  yes,  we  no  longer  can  doubt  or  delay 
The  sad  news,  whicii  th"  breezes  waft  gently  awav — 
'J'oo  trni' — our  loved  Colonel  has  gone  from  our  sight. 
To  the  regions  where  broods  Death's  dark,  silent  night. 

Thus  another  now  sw  -Us  the  high  funeral  pile 
Raised  by  the  dire  spirit  which  none  can  beguile, 
Who  rid-^s  his  black  charger,  all  spattered  with  grore. 
While  prayers  and  entreaties  in  his  ears  \ainly  pour. 

The  loved  and  the  brave  seem  to  be  his  desire, 

Those  whose  bosoms 'lecp  burn  with  patriot  fire, 

Whose  heart-strings  strong  vibrate  to  freedom's  clear  found, 

Where  notes  ne'er  discordant  did  ever  resound. 

Bright  hope.<,  now  all  shattered,  lie  scattered  around. 
While  despondent  w»'  jiit,  where  late  did  abound 
The  proKpect  80  cheering,  h»  exciting,  to  those 
Whom  be  J-jd  with  such  Ijravery  against  the  proud  foes. 


liQ  A   HISTOKV  OF  THK 

Tb»>  jjoltiiovn  wWl  oft<-n,  around  ttio  camp  fii<», 
J)»'lij^iit  ti»  roconnlthv  urave  dc'dc,  to  inspiro 
Willi  frcnh  coura^i'  (lif*  soul  of  thos«-  full  of  fear, 
"VVht'ii  tht'  foemt'ii  com»>  f^rtli  and  tbc  hatllo  is  nour. 

But  our  n<'rljL'rt  in  g;n\u* — li«  will  lead  us  no  more — 
His  wo)k  is  now  Gni.sh  d — liis  battlf.s  an*  o'er  — 
I'he  star  which  gave  lustre,  tii»'  brifjiittst  and  bent, 
From  the  sky  of  the  Seventh  has  Ret  iu  tho  west. 

Farewell,  then,  lovod  Culonel,  may  you  peacefully  sleep 
And  rest  from  your  labors,  though  Had  vin'ils  we  keep  ; 
May  an;:el.«,  bright  HUi^els,  with  their  wings  overshade 
The  place  that  no  pacrod  they  rolics  Lave  made. 


OT.D  SIBLEY  BRIGADE. 


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131 


KILLED,  WOUNDED  AND  DIED  OF  DISEASE. 


Killed  of  the  Fourth  Texas  Cavalry. 


LETTER  OF  lUTTT. 

jOo.  A-P  Francis 

E 

J  W  Helm 

E 

Lt  N  D  Car hvri gilt 

;    H 

R  "W  Ferguson 

M 

J  E  Foster 

44 

Co.  C.-E  Hanna 

B 

J  Hanson 

B 

B  Sayer 

E 

J  Sraitli 

]\r 

C  Montgomery 

B 

Co.  B-J  Nixon 

A 

A  T  Brooks 

A 

C  Talley 

A 

T  H  Harris 

B 

M  Gibson 

E 

B  0  ^IcDonald 

20 

John  Porter 

]\r 

Co.  E-Oapt  C  Buckholds 

B 

P  G  H  Able 

B 

R  A  Aldny 

B 

S  L  Cotton 

B 

A  J  Long 

A 

I.ieut  R  Trotter 

I 

Co.  D-D  Gilleland 

A 

J  Stephens 

B 

•      E  S  Slaughter 

A 

C  R  Slaughter 

B 

W  Strunghen 

B 

B  R  Stone 

B 

J  P  Clinchey 

B 

J  Gilleland 

11 

E  R  Bolds 

E 

W  Coker 

H 

R  M  Daniel 

n 

R  A  Jones 

V 

-E. 

I,F,TTKR  OF  BATTI-E 

Co 

.  G-Capt  ]\[  Von  Hovel    A 

H  Gatta 

A 

A  Schrader 

B 

A  Jeuhrh 

B 

F  Jagper 

B 

C  Golmer 

B 

J  Stetmer 

30 

Co, 

,  F-Lt  D  R  McCorir 

lick  A 

J  R  ]\rartin 

B 

W  McCormick 

B 

R  Bently 

'  li 

W  T  Parsons 

B 

J  y,  Efner 

H 

S  H  Dunham 

A 

H  Mathews 

41 

Co. 

H-J  R  T  Walton 

A 

Tom  Williams 

A 

J  H  McKnight 

B 

G  W  Stephens 

E 

J  A  Weaver 

I 

E  T  Tindale 

A 

M  L  Russell 

A 

J  W  Jones 

B 

W  H  3[orga^ 

20 

W  L  EddingP 

27 

Co. 

I-T  D  Wilson 

B 

J  Manuis 

B 

T  S  Hopkins 

B 

A  Steine 

E 

J  O'Dell 

A 

Z  Gosset 

A 

J  A  AVright 

B 

J  R  IMouklor 

L 

Co. 

K'J  yi  Vining 

A 

J  Rhodes 

A 

132 


A  IllsrOKV  OF  THE 


Co, 


LKTTEE  OP  BATIIJ:. 

K-W  Jones  M 

J  E  I^Iathews  M 

A  Aj'ree  M 


LKTTBIt  or  RATrUl. 

L  Abbott  35 

M  L  Burton  43 


Killed  of  the  Fifth  Texas  Cavalry. 


LETTER 

Co.  A-Lt  D  A  IIuV)bai(l 

Lt  W  S  Land 

iAI  Bury 

K  II  Carter 

J  n  David 

Wm  Henderson 

J  E  Smith 

W  H  Shaw 

M  Pankey 

S  E  Jones 

S  T  Kindred 

S  Putnam 

J  Slotfs 
Co.  B-Capt  W  L  Lang 

Lieut  D  W  Bass 

Silas  Evans 

AV  A  liell 

F  M  Cantey 

J  L  Currie 

J  R  Daughtrey 

J  ;M  Fergu.sou 

J  Alartin 

A  J  Parf5ons 

R  Mitchell 

H  Parsons 

B  G  Greely 

A  J  Calk 

Capt  J  J  Scott 

0  B  Mattock 

J  P  Roye 

Jerry  J'inson 

AV  Thomelson 
Co.  C--R  P  Catlett 

M  T  DeboBc 

P  Dowd 

B  F  Hurst 
Co.  D--AVm  Tyson 

Henry  Harrison 

S  Coon 


,  OF  PAITLE. 

IJiTTER  OF  BATTLE 

I         Co. 

D--H  B  Shrlton 

H 

k' 

A  Henuey 

H 

J 

H  P.rowu 

B 

A 

Tho.s  Kerr 

H 

A 

J  S  Ford 

Q 

H         Co. 

,  E--J  L  Boykiu 

A 

A 

Ross  ^lyrick 

A 

H 

L  Rosenburg 

A 

A 

J  A  Mills 

C 

B 

T  P  Gaston 

C 

Q 

V  A  Lallier 

23 

A 

J  L  Henry 

M 

A 

J  N  Lyons 

Q 

A 

Myles 

G 

A         Co. 

F--A\^  B  Craig 

A 

A 

C  M  Tidwell 

A 

A 

Seth  Plattner 

Picket 

A 

A  I^lorcer 

" 

A 

J  AVakefield 

H 

A 

J  Carter 

H 

A 

Jo.seidi  Heck 

U 

A 

Jas  AVilkinson 

II 

A 

C  M  Hensley 

M 

A 

B  P  Lewis 

M 

A 

Chas  Lewis 

A 

1} 

AVni  (Jroft 

A 

(' 

U  :\rcCullougb 

"  — 

H         Co. 

G-A  Jones 

^  A 

I 

J  C  Francis 

49 

48 

E  J  Burgess 

H 

Q 

J  J  AVhitesides 

23 

Q 

C  'J'hoinpson 

T> 

li 

A  S  Fowlor 

D 

Q 

C  Groff 

C 

N 

JM  Hinos 

C 

D 

S  Me  Bride 

5 

A 

J  'J'obin 

— 

Picket 

J  ]Iarvey 

— 

H         Co. 

H-H  McClinston 

A 

OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE. 


133 


LETTER  OF  BATTLE.                                                      LETTKU  OK  HATTLK. 

Co.  n--L  W  Smith  A  Co.  I— Jolm  Eng-lish  II 
H  Wnllino-                   A                      J  R  :\ra(cl.."m 

E  T  Burrows                B                      Win  .Alakhim  Q 

J  Ilorrod                        E                      H  J  Sinitli  A 

J  Barnott                      H                      "W  11  Weir  20 

J  Runnels                       J                       J  J  Wills  C 

H  Hollingsworth        30         Co.  K--W  U  S  Shurley  A 

Silas  E  Keen                M                      I>enton  Martin  A 

Liwit  T  H  Land        41                     Jolm  Matliews  F 

Richard  Llovd             Q                      Lieut  J  T  Cole  11 

Co.  I--Lieut  E  N  Miller         H                     K  W  Parish  H 

J  E  Newburu             A                    J  W  White  H 

R  P  Bunch                  H                     J  W  AVatson  2S 

Jas  Dobbins                H                     Wm  Bumgamer  Q 

Total  killed 107 

Total  wounded 189 

Total  died  of  disease  up  to  the  1st  of  October,  1S64.  .  .  170 
Total  number  of  horses  lost,  including  killed  and  dis- 
abled for  the  want  of  forage 855 

Killed  of  the  Seventh  Texas  Cavalry. 

LETTER  OF  RATTLE.  LETTER  OF  BATTLE. 

Co.  A--W  H  Williams           H         Co.  E--R  Davis  H 

Co-  B--Chas  Nilchoche           A                     R  ]\I  Smith  46 

Aug  Harbeman             B          Co.  F-R  A  Riche}'  A 

Frank  Reidell               B                      A  W  Prather  A 

H  Legget                      C                      T  H  Garrison  A 

R  Haas                        C                     R  P  Bradshaw  A 

Co.  C--H  Seward  Indians  J  L  Gill  D 
A  Wright                     "                     Lt  J  D  Montgomery  D 

W  L  Bridges                 "                      J  M  Warner  Q 

Two  others  killed                   Co.  G--J  A  WilliamiB  C 

Co.  D--Cpt  W  H  (;ieaver  3Iexicans            T  J  Caldwell  D 

J  L  Cole                       "                    ZBurk  D 

J  H  Ilearn                    "                     J  W  McKibbon  D 

B  W  Brivier                 "                     W  T  Hoskins  H 

E  R  Daniels                 "                     AC  Hoskins  H 

W  P  Allen                   "                    J  C  King  H 

J  Elliot                       D                    AW  King  H 

J  Grimes                     D                     W  Ellis  29 

Wm  Martin                 D         Co.  H--Capt  J  Adair  B 

Chas  Grimes               M                      W  Booker  B 

Co.  E--W  Bertram            Mexicans              Peter  Hale  B 

P  D  Scott                    C                    G  W  Taylor  B 

W  F  Morgan               H                    R  P  Walker  B 


134 

I 

^  uifcTtjia- 

Ui 

THE 

Ll.TTKR  OK  IIATTI-E. 

I.ETTEnOF  nATTI.K 

Co. 

U~.T  White 

c 

J  W  Tucker 

A 

J  Aerre 

H 

Robert  Cone 

A 

W  M  San.sem 

M 

J  A  Robinson 

L 

Lieut  J  W  Daniel       Q 

P  .1  Oldham 

44 

Vt  Woodward 

Q 

A  Jack.son 

42 

Co. 

I-LieutC  II  Mill.^ 

B 

Co 

.K 

-J  ( )  Summers 

D 

liic'ut  J  K  Alexander  C 

L  Hancock 

D 

Capt  J  W  Tayl 

or      D 

W  EGrifiin 

I) 

W  Langston 

B 

L  Whitmoro 

H 

Jasper  Jones 

A 

L  Bellestrie 

Q 

W  J  Waburton  ^ 

fr  B  Sanderson 

If 

J  J  Dial 

F  :\I  Dean 

i[ 

J  Ilaynes 

b   5 

J  R  Preston 

H 

C  D  Pace 

>    g  = 

R  C  Campbell 

H 

J  E  S.-lf 

-^     Z-, 

J  R  Naco 

30 

J  C  Hill 

r^y^ 

Ikn  F  Roach 

) 

Total  unmber  killed .  . . 

...7S 

Killed  of  Waller's  Battalion. 

l.KT 

rtr.  OK  UATTLK. 

I.KI'IKlt 

OK  liAlTI.K 

Co. 

A- J  Madden 

30 

Geo  Rose           Chene^'^ville 

T)  Trail  an 

30 

John  Young 

Q 

DCook 

Q 

W  C  Wright 

23 

S  Harris 

(.> 

J  H  Allen 

Q 

Co. 

13-J  Saxon 
J  ^I  Morris 

P 
41 

Co 

F- 

-J  ]i  Ecllens 
T  Prather 

Co. 

D-J  b  White      Bo 

nnet  Carre 

C  A  Sainlu.-^ 

D  Greer 

<( 

Co 

C- 

-L  L  Eoggins 

I) 

FM  Dykes 

Q 

a  Clements       Chgnoyville 

Co. 

E--C  Sullivan 
B  F  Adams 

1) 

D 

Wm  Dyer 

Q 

^Voiiiidei 

1  ol"  Waller 

N   llaltalioii. 

LKTTI 

:k  of  battle 

LETTER  OF  HATTI.K. 

Co. 

A" J  R  Rohin 

G 

Go 

B- 

-J  S  Collins 

p 

()  F  Willianib 

(; 

J  Erskin 

Q 

.T  L  Wheat 

G 

Co 

D- 

-W  T  Spires 

Picket 

W  II  Harrison 

-u 

J  ]\ralonoy      Bonnet  C-^arro 

V  Hnghes 

Picket 

F  K  Drake 

G 

A  E  Clark 

L 

J  Decker 

G 

D  Bruce 

M 

L  M  Lacy 

K 

Kihbo 

G 

Lieut  R  R  Boiling 

L 

Co. 

B--Lieut  W  0  Smit 

li        E 

J  Williams 

L 

Frank  Barnes 

D 

0  Baker 

N 

R  1*  Pinson 

41 

.1  Ewing 

Q 

OLD  SlBLr^' 


BRIGADE. 


135 


I.KTTKK  OK  HATTLK. 

Co.  E-R  Sidcl  Picket  Co. 

J  llillyer  D 

W  J  Wright  D 

D  C  Proctor  CluMieyvir.c 
H  Pt'aslev  Accitlont 


E  AV  Socli-son  N 

J  Aslnvorth  30 

Sam  T  Joyncr  N         Co. 

Itlat  Kowe  M 

John  Duke  41 

A  Carrtvaial  4.') 

W  J  Hall  u  44 

Jos  AVright  Q 

H  C  AVright  Q 

J  A  natch  Q 

L  Dubois  P 

j\I  AVoesner  M 

By  a  mistake  on  my  part  the  list  of 
a  time  when  it  was  too  late  to  replace  it 


T.i:  I'TliU  OK  BATTI.IO. 

F-D  D  Jefferson  — 

H  G  Jenning  — 

D  Thomas  — 

J  F  Ellison  D 

Mc  Ellison  Q 

W  White  20 

J  W  Henderson  Q 

C-HP  Wiley  D 

T  J  Est  is  M 

J  Williamson  D 

J  C  Baker  — 

T  N  Rand  N 

S  M  Pnnchard  — 

H  J  Smith  — 

W  L  Fortran d  Q 

J  C  McDade  Q 

Hanson  — 

the  died  of  disease  was  lost  at 


Wounded  of  the  Fourth  Texas  Cavalry. 


LKTTKR  OK  HATTI-E 

LKTTKU  OK  BATTLE, 

-Cpt  W  P  Hardeman  A 

Co.  A--W  J  Brown 

U 

Lt  J  C  Roberts 

A 

L  McCracktn 

U 

Lt  N  D  Cartwright 

A 

G  W  Strickland 

43 

R  P  Hunter            A  &  43 

J  L  Dial 

43 

J  Francis 

A 

Capt  L  Stevenson 

E 

Horses  lost 

..no 

R  McCright 

E 

Co.  B-W  T  Hendricks 

A 

H  ]\Tanny 

E 

J  Williams 

A 

D  L  Willy 

E 

J  Nix 

A 

W  A  Ferguson 

E 

J  L  Bunton 

A 

Geo  White 

E 

J  C  Stroud 

A 

Jesse  Lett 

E 

J  E  Standifer 

B 

J  Abernathy 

6 

R  C  Crawford 

13 

H  E  Goldenburg 

E 

C  Thomas 

E 

J  M  Audersun 

E 

E  R  Robius 

E 

G  McCoy 

E 

W  Smithson 

E 

Tom  Gi'eenwood 

Picket 

W  L  McMahan 

E 

A  F  Gillespie 

H 

S  B  Joslin 

E 

A  0  Ferguson 

H 

W  L  Bunton 

I 

J  Johnson 

H 

J  H  Wiley 

I 

Capt  L  Stevenson 

JI 

Hugh  Clark 

N 

Lieut  A  X  Wood 

M 

G  W  Strickland 

M 

Horses  lost 

.  .    S9 

13G 


A  IIISTOUr  OF  THE 


I.ETTKR  OF  P  .TTI-K.                                                       MTITBR  OP  BATTI 

Co.  C"A  G  Fields 

A 

Co.  E-T  W  Granthan 

I 

AV  II  H  Onderd.ink 

A 

J  Younp: 

B 

S  .Smith 

A 

W  (;  Pailey 

39 

W  II  Mol.ley 

A 

J  H  D  Sides 

40 

L  linrkonitz 

A 

Z  Luce 

40 

L  .1  Jlirtlctt 

P 

1)  Eckman 

P 

li  N  White 

P 

S  lirown 

1? 

Co.  F--J  P  Cook 

A 

Lt  L  Von  Roeder 

E 

W  F  Matthews 

A 

.1  A  Waburton 

E 

J  A  Gills 

A 

r  IT  Hamilton 

E 

N  Dial 

A  &  P 

J  Armstroug 

K 

E  P  Adams 

B 

J  Hall 

H 

J  T  I'oe 

B 

II  I)  Tippet t 

H 

J  llarbinson 

B 

Vj  Lozans 

I 

A  S  Matthews 

B 

H  Ray  land 

:si 

W  F  Matthews 

B  &M 

G  Harpolt 

M 

E  J  Carriugton 

E 

Lt  J  F  Coffee 

p 

J  Murray 

E 

J  Hall 

Q 

J  Thomason 

E 

A  P  Ferguson 

Q 

W  H  H  Mannoy 

H 

J  W  Clark 

I 

Hoses  lost 

..129 

W  H  Matthews 

30 

Co.  D--D  Ilnflinau 

P 

T  M  Cronell 

30 

S  R  Hill 

B 

H  Crouch 

]\r 

E  Carttn- 

V, 

W  H  Almarodes 

.AI 

W  M  Farnicr 

P 

G  A  Garvey 

M 

Lt  P  il  Kolh 

A 

W  H  Andrews 

N 

J  Flor.'s 

]i 

J  W  Clark 

N 

A  Iluflinan 

A 

Capt  J  M  Crosson 

39 

J  Locklin 

I 

F  S  Cochran 

40 

A  Phillip.s 

H 

J  Hughes 

44 

B  Ri^-s 

E 

S  K  Sweet 

39 

J  (1  Stokes 

27 

E  W  Drake 

44 

ti 

E 

E  Perrot 

44 

J  R  Thomas 

!•: 

J  W  Fagan 

44 

A  Iluilinan 

J. 

S  Murry 

44 

AV  E  Mitchison 

r.o 

H  C  Wright 

44 

W  L  Lutinor 

no 

Capt  H  G  Carter 

N 

Horses  lost 

...132 

J  W  Ray 

N 

Co.  II-A  A  Wilson 

A 

W  A  Stokes 

N 

H  M  White 

A 

1)  N  Robinson 

L 

T  T  Pitts 

A 

M  Zilluea 

20 

J  R  Castles 

A 

N  P  Coatos 

A 

Horses  lost , 

..116 

J  F  Starr 

A 

4>LD  SIBLEY  BRIGABR. 


167 


LKTTER  or  BATTLE. 

LETTER  OF  BATTLB, 

Co.  H-W  L  Hardwick      A  <k  30 

Co.  I-W  B  Marsh 

'  <( 

A  A  Nelson 

B 

J  S  Shivers 

'( 

J  C  Rnfrers 

B 

T  D  Luren 

E 

A  Griffith 

B 

B  F  Bland 

H 

H  B  Ponsers 

E 

W  M  Gran 

" 

Capt  W  L  Alexander  E 

Lieut  W  E  Mooro 

«• 

C  M  Coates 

" 

W  H  Lacy 

H&  41 

J  S  Scoggin 

<< 

Capt  W  Jones 

41 

W  Cleveland 

i< 

J  M  Manning 

30 

W  S  McCluistian 

H 

W  M  Blackway 

M 

J  S  MorriB 

>( 

D  S  Cain 

•• 

W  D  Peaony 

" 

W  T  Brocken 

<f 

R  G  Breton 

" 

H  Huffman 

•N 

W  H  Yarborough 

" 

J  D  Richardson 

P 

W  H  Deos 

" 

W  M  Old 

" 

Horses  lost 

...116 

J  Williams 

" 

Co.  K-J  A  Sharp 

A 

J  Andersrn 

20 

Lieut  E  L  Robb 

B 

H  F  Graham 

20 

T  E  Williams 

•' 

W  H  Morgan 

20 

J  W  Ruby 

E 

W  Coates 

20 

B  F  Hill 

H 

J  Miller 

M 

D  D  Hojt 

<< 

J  H  Sharpe 

" 

M  L  Burton 

<>' 

J  E  Morris 

<< 

Lieut  Ramsay 

I&P 

J  V  Pool 

44 

A  T  J-hneon 

" 

J  C  Burrington 

44 

A  S  Springfield 

M 

J  Hardy 

44 

T  Jones 

<< 

Capt  Henry 

« 

Horses  lost 

..112 

Lieut  Wilson 

39 

Co.  I-Lieut  I  P  Stevenson 

A 

T  E  Armstrong 

P 

R  M  Atmer 

" 

W  Davis 

" 

Dr  A  J  Dawson 

<< 

J  O'Quinn 

42 

Capt  J  M  Oddl 

« 

Lieut  W  Jones 

" 

Horses  lost 

..-.106 

Wounded  of  the  Fifth  Texas  Cavalry. 

I.ETTEH    or  BATTLB 

LETTER 

OF  BATTLE. 

Co.  A-Lieut  S  Henderson 

A 

J  S  Knowles 

<( 

Capt  Oaks 

Q 

E  R  Knowles 

D 

M  C  Knowlton 

A 

J  McClary 

A&Q 

A  L  Baker 

T  Matthews 

44 

P  L  Clapp 

J  D  Montgomery 

A 

S  Clapp 

A  G  Mitchel 

A 

H  McDonald 

G  Martin 

A 

r  B  GilUspie 

A  Schmhart 

ii 

i38 


A  UlSTOUl-  OJb'  TU^ 


LLTTEB 

.  OF  BATTLK 

l-LTTER   OK  MATTLK 

Co.  A-G  Sevmore 

•• 

A  E  McNair 

G  &  4r> 

D  H  Taylor 

B 

J  SNn^h 

I 

E  Caldwc-ll 

A 

Pat  Nolcn 

•IG 

A  S  Gron 

A 

11  II  Nilcs 

G 

D    W  VxohoviB 

" 

Joe  Pearson! 

41 

C  C  Jarmou 

Q 

H  Sluart 

23 

G  H  Little 

H 

'      P  Sapp 

B 

Lient  Land 

•' 

D    Vraim 

22 

Win  Howsou 

B 

K  1  >eniart 

Q 

W  P  Franklin 
L  L  Iludgins 
R  K  C  Bronough 

12  &  1* 

N 

Horses  lost , 

131 

Co.  B-W  H  Col(  man 

A 

46 

J  A  Forbes 

•' 

11  D  Lawless 

B 

J  N  Lou 
J  P  Parker 

,, 

•> 

Horses  lost 

. ...    87 

G  Polster 

•' 

Co.  D-D  Brown 

A 

E  Sht'ltou 

•' 

J  Lorenzo 

•' 

J  A  Sanders 

" 

G  A  Smeltzer 

B 

A  Davis 

•• 

U  T  Sherwood 

" 

A  Nations 

B 

G  Rivers 

Q&H 

C  Elp'n 

48 

A  L  Friar 

H  &  P 

J  A  }31ondelIe 

4^    . 

S  B  Garner 

M 

Capt  A  J>'  Price 

M 

J  Norwood 

Q 

Horses  lost 

. . . .   8& 

H  G  Young 

Co.  E-Lieut  Rainwater 

M 

W  McCowell 

" 

Lieut  "NVilkius 

A 

W  C  Lladc 

" 

Horses  lost , 

. ...   78 

J  H  Tyson 
J  S  Young 

•» 

Co.  G-Capt  Clongh 

B  &.D 

'. 

Lii-'Ut  Stover 

Q 

R  Gjiston 

M 

Lieut  Wiggins 

D 

R   Stevens 

D 

N  Bringle 

B 

L  Clark 

K 

V  M  Camp 

G 

I  G  Rankin 

" 

W  R  Cabun 

B 

G  Rainwater 

§ 

J  M  Cosgrovo 

44 

J  T  Petty 

W  T  Dunbotsc. 

B 

W  A  Rample 

M 

Pat  Dowd 

" 

J  B  Wilkins 

A 

W  Davis 

l&P 

W  Mcl'hail 

U 

n  Geisle 

Q 

E  L  Gray 

G 

Horses  lost 

....127 

J  Bowie 

" 

Co.  F-CiiptB  BSeat 

A 

W  R  Howell 

" 

.  Lieut  Shepard 

H 

,  T  F  V  Johnson 

A&L 

Lieut  C  Couier 

<i 

H  Maywald 

G 

Lieut  Kerr 

L 

I  Z  Moore 

A&Q 

I  G  Brown 

r 

i  )LD  SIBLEY  BHIG  ADE. 


1*9 


•-».'* 


LI:TTKB   of  BAITW 

!.                                                  rETTER 

OF  BATTLFI 

Co.  F-F  Cocbran 

A 

M  A  Houston 

Q 

L  Durnett 

<( 

Co.  I-Capt  Killougb 

Q 

W  (.'  Burton 

1 

V  S  Robertson 

u 

C  M  Hersley 

A 

L  Match  on 

H 

D  Kerthour 

n 

W  Sutton 

t* 

F  Mcilahau 

" 

G  Miller 

37 

Oid  Kageo 

" 

A  Smith 

H 

T  Biowu 

H 

S  N  Sorrels 

Q 

A  Boyd 

" 

S  C  Busby 

H 

J  Holt 

12 

C  D  Baur 

><■ 

R  Sanders 

H 

T  Coil 

37 

S  Jordell 

M 

H  E  Gibben 

H 

J  M  LowiH 

P 

E  R  Hale 

.i 

J  Lewis 

Q 

L  A  Harrison 

A 

J  Dial 

46 

F  Harmon 

L 

H  Johnson 

M 

L  Hart 

Q 

W  F  Haller 

9 

Horses  lost 

89 

H  F  McCulIum 

29 

Co.  G-Lieut  W  M  Fraucia  Picket 

F  M  Sanger 

43 

Lieut  Pervine 

A 

L  Lovrn 

H 

H  Weister 

A 

S  D  Ward 

D 

J  P  Byrns 

u 

D  Wright 

35 

A  Snow 

n 

F  S  Weson 

41 

W  D  Oney 

u 

JH  Farr 

Pick«t 
41 

Horses  lost 

...70 

A  Harrison 

Co  K.-Lieut  Sisk 

A 

J  H  Scales 

41 

J  C  Holladay 

<< 

J  Littlepage 

« 

Horses  lost 

83 

I  T  Hogsett 
I  N  Gilpin 

M 

Co.  H-A  F  Ashworth 

A 

C 

W  Norman 

« 

D  Smothers 

U 

W  Goode 

« 

IDS  Baker 

D 

J  R  Orenburm 

A&H 

y  WMuIkin 
WDBastile 

4( 

G  Grooms 

A,  H&H 

« 

C  Brand 

H 

S  H  Smith 

H 

F  U  Land 

u 

W  Bum  garner 

Lieut  Wilson 

G 

H  S  Sisk 

K 

W  Lloyd 

K 

C  Rivers 

u 

R  Cox 

H 

J  Nevins 

<-« 

C  C  Strode 

«< 

I  N  Roach 

H 

S  Keating 

K 

J  Squires 

« 

Tom  Clinton 

H 

S  Wilking 

u 

G  Wbitey 

M 

W  Wilkins 

n 

J  Taylor 

It 

J  H  Lambent 

p 

W  P  Taylor 

41 

L  V  Edwardt 

S  ^  Nlchnla 

0 

B  Foudraia 

14tt 


A  Hli>n)Hy  UK  THK 


Wounded  oV  the  Seventh  Teiam  Cavalry. 


LETTEhOF  nATlI.r 

LETTER 

OF   BATTLE 

Co.  A-Il  McGiow             ' 

i 

Co. 

K-No  report  given 

Thos  Uobb*. 

= 

Co. 

F-Lieut  Gray 

A 

T  Young 

Lieut  Wigging 

" 

F  M  Scantlen           ] 

h  '^ 

F  M  Elk  ins 

«' 

J  ]\It.'adows 

c^ 

W  H  . I ones 

•' 

11  Graham 

*^ 

D  C  Sharp 

" 

1  Huff 

I  T  Kendrick 

<• 

I  M  Crisp 

h" 

I  M  Pruitt 

•' 

Wm  Douglify 

" 

H  F  Jnhnson 

•' 

I  Campbell 

I 

T  S  Cruse 

!• 

R  H  GilU'^pie 

— 

L  Dial 

il 

John  Ilughos 

Id 

B  Ovid 

H 

Co.  B-P  Linnard 

A 

NHillen 

J? 

A  Magnus 

" 

R  A  Heflin 

" 

F  Harm 

" 

]*  H  Johnson 

G 

C  Harnburn 

B 

H  Johns 

" 

F  Sliultze 

D 

J  ^I  Reagan 

" 

C  Pentormihl 

30 

J  Collier 

" 

T  Linnart 

A 

Capt  Wiggins 

n 

H  Hcichaia 

h 

Lieut  Cook 

«( 

H  Jones 

20 

R  '1'  Suary 

4< 

Co.  C-B  Chick 

— _ 

I  M  Jones 

•' 

Capt  Jiurrowa 

I) 

Lieut  Edmons 

14 

L  «  Bilberry 

" 

R  T  Seary 

80 

I  M    'Jlintoii 

F 

N  HiUen 

M 

I  Chick 

•i 

Co. 

G-E  T  Owens 

C 

N  B  Hohlor 

20 

H  F  Hardy 

i< 

J  Tucker 

30 

\  H   Williamson 

<( 

lUIcMordio 

M 

W  H  J3ra/.ier 

" 

Js  B  Holder 

Q 

J   Saunders 

" 

"VVm  Wilson 

I  B  Cunningham 

D 

J  H  Or  gain 

•• 

L  M    Leo 

<< 

A  McCravey 

47 

T  B  O'Neill 

'  <i 

Co.  D-W   Maulden 

I) 

K  .Murr.nh 

(f 

1  P  J  ones 

•■ 

F  R  Collard 

<< 

S  M  Corley 

H 

T  A  J.moB 

H 

L  Conner 

<i 

F  R  Collard 

" 

S  J  J  Stanley 

" 

Wm  Hardey 

(1 

W  G  Linsay 

I. 

J  H  Wiliirmson 

<< 

I  Alexandnr 

.10 

Lieut   Roi  iiie 

" 

i/ieut  Cash  man 

>f 

J\  Murrah 

44 

G  Fairchild 

" 

Co. 

G  Set>Kumfi 
II-No  report  givfu 

Q 

Horses  lost 

..    40 

Co. 

J-I  W  Barnett 

A 

OLD  SIBLEY  BillGADE. 


141 


I.KTTER  Oy   BATTIi:. 

i.wnKu 

or   BATTLi:, 

Co.  I- J  il  Alexander 

A 

J  R  Preston 

'« 

r  Ilolliman 

•' 

A  F  Young 

" 

A  N  Vaunoy 

•' 

R  C  Campbell 

" 

F  Kennedy 

" 

Lieut  Smith 

<< 

/H  Lyl«s 

<< 

C  Cresswell 

it 

Capt  Gardner 

" 

W  Cresswell 

li 

Lient  BroylS 

C 

W  Thomas 

II 

J  Ward 

<> 

L  B  Connell 

H 

A  Drinkard 

II 

./Jackson 

<« 

J  T  Sullivaii 

" 

I  Magg 

i' 

I  Selvage 

li 

R  Simmons 

b 

Co.  K-I  F  Frazier 

D 

L  Bellostrie 

G  B  Sanderson 

n 

T  M  Dean 

Horses  lost 

....    70 

Died  of  Disease  or  flic  Fourth  Texas  CaTalry^ 

Co.  A-G  A  Walker 

,/une,  1862 

R  Riedent 

B  C  Allen 

« 

G  McMahan 

JM  Beatty 

,       "         Co. 

C-T  Shultz 

H  L  Cliett 

July,  1862 

T  M  Clark 

T  H  Fentress 

Apiil     " 

J  Franke 

M  Franks 

Feby     " 

L  Bailey 

J  C  Grady 

Dec     "    Co. 

D-T  Allison 

B  Hysan 

Jan     " 

G  Applin 

W  P  Hall 

April     " 

A  C  Christian 

JC  Jeffries 

July     " 

JD  Hughes 

A  Keys 

Dec  1863 

L  B  Hilyard 

J  Kirk 

Feb  1862 

D  M  Jones 

J  H  Nixon 

May     " 

H  W   Kolb 

JB  Pierce 

.7uly     " 

B  F  Kirk 

S  Pyman 

Feb       " 

,/McDougal 

G  W  Farmer 

April    " 

W  H  Mitchell 

A  F  Loftus 

June  1S63 

JN  Norman 

W  Ziramermah 

Oct      " 

./E  Vernon 

G  B  Smith 

T  Stokes 

Co.B-JC  Beaslcy 

Co. 

E--W  S  Wilson 

A  P  Houstort 

F  M  Cloud 

W  B  Gregg 

W  Cave 

B  L  Jbslin 

F  M  Cave 

JGHolncB 

C  E  French 

J'Oovey 

D  .Tames 

A  Uanks 

T  Leaihman 

/Boyd 

R  Mathews 

F  F  Lay  ton 

JM  Rogt-rs 

L  W  MoofB 

JS  Ritchie 

C  CnT«y 

P  L  91c1pk 

M 


A  111.1  T'lnv  nr  rni: 


Co.  i:--U.C  Saj;*^' 

1'  Woorlricli 
h  W  DHiiieU 
:\l  V  C'arlock 

C'>.  l'--T  Il.irlioiisoii 
JACrills 

Y  M  Doss 

Co.  V--A  'J'lioinasson 
./A  Hilyard 
^  ,E  Sncll 
J  Stone 
A  Worsh.im 
S  IIookfT 
./  Thomasson 
.  .  :  J  McCormick 
./  K  Varner 

Co.  (r-h  Brauard 
J  Hopster 
J  Kri,'br»H 
R  Fiaslor 
J  Spies 
.  "W  Winderlich 

Co.  H--T  S   Scrog-ins 
R  B  Johnson 
N  li  CoatP 
A  Eddius 
C  R  Gairctt 
W  A  Poo 
W  P  Wisonev 
E  M  Weatherby 
H  M  Ferguson 
L  L  Sket-iin 
T  E  Langham 
W  Lilly 
W  L  EddiuK 
"W  8  Rainhot 

Co.  I--\V  L  DicktTson 
WLee 


T  Davc-npoit 
J  R  rrucf 
1\  Onsley 
J  Creasy 
D  E  Popkins 
J  Littlo 
W  Dickt-rsou 
S  M  Smothnian 
J  Waohaa 
W  Harridou 
J  r,  White 
J  C  Mott 
A  ./  Sfowart 
S  Seals 
C  Gleun 
L  H  Analt 
J  Rice 
W  Manning 
Lieut  W  E  Moore 
W  W  Carey 
G  W  Warner 
^l  Huflman 
W  R  Mattock 
W  Mareh 
Co.  K-J  U  Waters*^ 

J  W  Thompson 
W  J  Teer 
W  B  Jasper 
J  L  Veitch 
T  C  Cooper 
J  A  Sharp] 
J   VVilliauis 
J  T  Hlllyev 
J  M  Coleman 
J  Millican 
L  Abbott 
E  L  Ruby 
J  B  Stewart 


Died  ol  Dif^enMr  of  the  Fiflh  Texas  Cavalry. 


Co.  A-Capt  S  M  Wells 
Lieut  W  L  Bunde 
A  B  Carter 
W  L  David 
A  Henry 


W  II  Land  rum 
I  S  Smith 
E  G  Silvey 
ChuB  Seymonr 
f?  Trrrell 


OLD  SIBLET  Blllti  ADE 


143 


Co.  A-W  IsTewsom 
D  T  Walker 
W  R  Hyatt 
J  G  Haniiigtou 
J  Noark 

Co.  B-.T  Murray 
N  Jjong 
M  ^I  ClmrcL 
J  n  Duty 
W  J  Davis 
I  Strong 
D  H  Stone 
I  N  Lea 
(t  Thompson 
R  C  Wood 
Ed  Slielton 
D  J  Nations 
J  R  Wordlou 
A  J  Davis 
J  N  Wright 
G  J  Ilardwick 
U  S  Barney 
A  B  Donaldson 
J  N  Forbes 
Joe  Underwood 

Co.  C  J  Ellis 

E  T  Hunt 

W  Humphreyii 

Ed  O'Neal 

W  Oram 

J  P  Powers 

L  Stuckey 

S  Dnpre 

J  Harv<^rson 

A  0  A  Johnson 

S  McDowell 

Co.  D-J  West 

S  Yoakum 
Sam  Burrows 
Frank  Wofford 
Frank  Filder 
Frank  ]\liller 

Co.  E-W  E  Gray 

J  0  Andrews 
TJ  HoRia 
J  H  Hyson 
W  Ltvlor 


T  J  Walker 

M  C  Higgins 

W  D  White 

W  n  He  wet  t 

.7  C   Gaston 

J  N  Dunbar 
^  G  T  Lairy 
Co.  F-Chas  Shaw 

J  Tucker 

J  Hill 

J  Canly 

D  Horn 

J  ''K  Copeland 

J  Cleveland 

G  Cupples 

T  Larklum 

Wash  Lewis 

J  Ballard 

Frank  McMinn 

1  Holbert 
'      B  C  Clark 

J  Hill 

W  Carneran 

D  Brown 

A   Anderson 

J  Lewis 

N  F  Carter 

W  Givens 
Co.  G-H    Figley 

J  Ritchey 

J  Cloud 

J  E  Skinner 

J  O  Boykcn 

B  Millen 

H  Dunnault 

J  W  Francis 

J  M  Cochran 

J  W  Wiley 
Co.  H-E  Garrett 

F  Thornburg 

R  H  Mathews 

J  R  Heasley 

0  D  Nealy 

F  G  Perry 

W  A  Dailey 

Lieut  J  A  Clay  loll 

S  Tryon 


144 


A  HlSTOitY  DF  THK 


Co.  11-W  R  Viucent 
L  S  Wv.'koff 
.7  S  ParktT 
II  N  Jnni'S 
lIMnsRie 
li  lileacli 
A  X  Dailoy 
U  Walling 
J  as  Grceii 
T  II  Morhlana 
TlioR  Parker 
R  Stoll 
J  Chadwick 
I)  Kllidg.' 
U  Crist 
AV  Brashoar 
V  Evans 

Co.  I-Capt  A  Niskcrn 
L  G  Young 
T  Robinson 
L  S  Yarborough 
L.TGeddis 
A  J  Burleson 
G  B  Bsll 
J  H  EIHr 
G  Gore 
L  A  Harrison 
AV  H  Inffraro 


W  S  Kemp 
DD  Mooro 
L  K  Mooro 
C  J  .AlcOullum 
V  C  McClure 
T  Pace 
W  Pace 
8  S  Hell.irs 
J  A  Townsend 
.1  E   Winbarn 
Co.  K-John  Fox 

Bon  Wapliington 
J   Burroughs 
J  Lee 
G  Cornet 
O  Nicliolfi 
W  l\'igo 
D  C  Blackwell 
R  Maxwell 
J  W  Roder 
C  Clark 
Wm  Upton 
R  Daniel 
W  H  Poster 
Tom  Wright 
R  Germany 
T  Childers 
J  T  CroHS 


Died  or  Disease  of  the   l^eventh  Tex.is  C^valryt 


Co.  A-L  Kinney 
G  Carulliere 
AV  E  Thrtford 
lien  F  liarricjoi^ 
J  51  Huulen 
H  Smith 
Jas  Holland 
George  Huff 

Co.  B--II  Gelver 
C  Majer 

Co.  C--J  E  Cloud 
L  Edwards 
G  (yorley 
J  Halo 
AV  AA^ilson 

Co.  D-R  J  Courtney 


J  J  Clark 
B  AV  Brewer 
J  N  AVeeks 
G  W  Spivcy 
G  AV  Marlon 
Lieut  S  Brown 
G  AV  Cornett 
J  Kirk  wood 
J  C  Jones 
A  Fairchild 
J  B  Mooro 
J  Harvare 
P  Grimes 
Wm  Lemondi 
Sam  Berry 
A  Lattft 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE. 


145 


Co.  D-G  A  Patton 
Co.  E-P  W  Moore 

N  J  A  Farley 

A  L  Jones 

A  MHillier 

S  H  Coswell 

B  S  Davie 

Lieut.  C  T  Chandler 

B  P  Davis 

T  Wood 

A  L  Ricks 

W  T  Parker 

A  H  Durham 

W  J  Hull 

A  J  Peterson 

W.T  Fuller 

W  H  Brown 

Joe  AVilliams 

A  R  Foglin 

W  W  Tyler 

M  0  Stewart 

J  A  Caho 

J  Smith 

R  S  Faire 

B  Clark 

G  M  Hill 

H  Parton 

J  A  Clowney 

J  Trevathan 

G  W  Hashaw 

I  Vingent 
Co.  F-W  H  Garrett 

J  M  Johnson 

J  M  Harris 

J  W  Gray 

M  Wills 

A  Reynolds 

W  Newsom 

H  M  May 

B  Garrison 

B  L  Bates 

L  C  Bates 

R  C  Richey 

J  Row 

L  J  Dial 

W  W  Wills 

W  Higgins 


W  H  Green 

Co.  G-Lieut  M  Middletou 
Lieut  AVm  Hobday 
B  T  Hates 
E  Carter 
I  Tankersley 
D  May 
I  D  Shook 
W  Weatherby 
S  King 
N  Hardy 
J  [Lagroue 
R  Beauchamp 
J  Pursley 
J  Parker 
T  J  Powell 

Co.  H-M  S  McMorris 
S  J]l  Kennedy 
J  Murchison 
A  Lason 
J  M  Ray  burn 
V  Floris 
H  Harris 
S  Benton 
R  George 
O  Mason 
H  Richatds 
T  Cartwright 
G  P  M  Duckey 
Wm  Scarborough 
W  M  Walker 
W  L  HaiTod 
E  Wiggins 
H  Ix)ng 
W  A  Dcckey 
J  A  Johnson 
S  J  Dupre 
Lieut  G  Uenuess 
A  J  Danoguer 
J  H  Cook 
J  Mereditli 
Co.  I-J  W  Gamer 
R  Willet 
W  T  Miller 
J  T  Miller 
T  Shelton 
J  M  Robinson 


14C 


A  lilSTOKY   OF  THE 


Co. 


1-J  M  CJoans 
(r  D  Barnett 
J  .IF  E  Day 
R  U  Hudsou 
II  G  lleudiicks 
J  V  Kodgers 
Wr  Seigler 
L  Gregory 
F  M  Bowen 
I)  R  Small 
J  M  Uogue 
I)  U  Fitzlmgh 
J  Ji  Walberton 
J  W  Barnett 
N  B  Allen 


W  Squires 
O  li  Dillus 
II  F  (larncr 
E  F  Harrington 
J  C  Smith 
Go.  K-II  Belliow 
I)  Gibson 
W  A  "NVhittakcr 
Pat  ^larch 
A  Baker 
0  Wilson 
T  D  Carter 

II  A  McNutt  of"  wounds 
J  R  Naco 


Field    Officers   Killed. 

Major  General  Tom  Green,  ]31air'8  Landing,  April  12th,  1864. 

Major  J.  A.  Lockridge,  Val  Verde,  February  2 1st,  1S62. 

Lieut.  Col.  J.  S.  Sutton 

Major  H.  Raguet,  Gloriatta,  March  28th,  1862. 

Major  J.  S.  Shropshire  " 

Ool.  James  Reily*  Franklin,  La.,  April  14th,  1863. 

Major  D.  S.  Ragsdale,  Fort  Butler,  June  28th,  1863. 

Col.  P.  T  Herbert,  of  wounds  received  at  Mansfield. 

Field  Officers  Wounded. 


I.ETTKII  OF  lUTTLE. 

Tom  Green  A 

Maj  U  U  Boone  K 

ColAPBagby  D 


I.KTTEK  01-  HATTI.E. 

Col  W  J^  Hardeman  — 
Maj  Hoffman  II 

G  J  Hampton          A  &  M 


Staff  Officers  Killed. 


IJ-;TTKR  ok  nATTLE. 

Maj  W  R  Browurig    D 


LETTER  or  IlATTI.i: 


Capt  C  B  Shepard      M 


Staff  Officers  Wounded. 

Major  J  I)  Sayers,  Bisland  and  Mansfield. 

Several  others  wore  wounded,  but  their  wounds  being  slight,  they 
are  not  reported,  agreeable  to  tlieir  request.  If  there  has  ever  a  field 
or  staff  officer  of  this  Brigade  died  of  disease,  it  is  more  than  wo  have 
been  able  to  find  out. 

Since  writing  the  above,  Capt  \V.  L.  Moore,  Col.  Hardeman's  Adju- 
tant Gt3uernl.  died  at  Fulton,  Arkansas. 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  147 

Original  and  Present  Organization  of  the  First 
Texas  Cavalry  Brigade. 

Brig.  Gen.  H.  H.  Sibley,  commissioned  June,  18Q1. 
Major  A.  M.  Jackson,  Assistant  Adjutant  GeneraL 
Capt.  H.  H.  Harrison,  Pajinastar  and  Quartermaster. 
Major  R.  T.  Brownrig,  A.  0.  S. 
T.  P.  Ochiltree,  A.  D.  C. 

E.  F.  i^ovey,  Chief  Surgeon  and  Medical  Director. 
Capt.  J.  L.  Dwyer,  Inspector  General. 
Major  W.  L.  Robards,  Chief  of  Ordnance. 

Brig.  Gen.  Thos.  Green,  commissioned  May  4th,  186.5. 

E.  R.  Wells,  A.  A.  G. 

0.  B.  Shepard,  A.  D.  C 

J.  H.  Beck,  A.  Q.  M. 

J.  W.  Brown,  A.  C.  S. 

John  E.  Hart,  Inspector  General. 

G.  Cupples,  Chief  Surgeon. 

W.  L.  Robards,  Chief  of  Ordnance 

Col.  W.  P.  Hardeman. 

W.  L.  Moore,  A.  A.  A.  G. 

Frank  Starr,  A.  A.  and  I.  G. 

John  Wilkins,  A.  A.  A.  G. 

J.  M.  Crosson,  A.  Q.  M. 

D.  Corwin,  A.  C.  S. 

J.  M.  Bronaugh,  Chief  Surgeon. 

J.  N.  Perkins,  Chief  of  Ordnance. 
From  the  1st  of  October,  1863,  to  the  26th  of  April,  1S64,  A.  P, 
Bagby,  Colonel  of  the  Seventh  Regiment,  commanded  the  Brigade ; 
being  in  bad  health,  the  command  fell  upon  Cols.  Hardeman  and  Mc- 
Neill the  chief  portion  of  the  time.  If  I  mistake  not,  an  order  was  pro- 
mulgated, in  which  it  was  called  "Bagby's  Brigade,"  yet  this  name 
never  took,  and  the  Brigade  is  and  has  only  been  known  as  Sibley's, 
Green'.s  and  Hardeman's. 

Original  and  Present  Organization    of  the 
Fourth  Texas  Cavalry, 

Col.  James  Reily,  commissioned  July,  18G1. 
Lieut.  Col.  W.  R.  Scurry    •'  " 

3fajor  ILRaguet        ^^    '' 
EUsbeny  R.  Lane,  Adjutant. 
.J.  B.  McMahon,  Sergeant  Major. 
II.  E.  Leobnetze,  A.  Q.  M. 
John  Reily,  A.  C.  S. 
W™.  Southwovtb,  Surgeon. 


14t  A  UISTORY  OF  THE 

Taylor,  Assistant.  Surgeon. 

Matcht'tt, 


W.  H.  JoneP,  Chaplain. 

SINCE  OCTOBER  1st,  1864. 

Col.  Wm.  P.  Ilartlemau,  comini.ssioned  April  14th,  1863. 

Lieut.  Col.  G.  J.  Hampton. 

]\Iajor  C.  M.  Lesure,  "  "  "  " 

"Wm.  L.  Mooro,  Adjutant,  died  November  7tli,  1864. 

John  Collins,  Adjnt;ni 

R.  R.  Hunter,  Sergeant    M.      . 

J.  C.Roberts,  A.  Q  ^ 

A.  D.  Elam,  A.  C  S. 

S.  B.  Many,  Surgeon. 

Frank  Rainoy,  Assistant  Surgeon. 

A.  J.  Dawson,  Acting  Assistant  Surgeon. 

No  Chaplain. 

Fifth  Texas  Cavahy. 

Col.  Thos.  Green,  coranr.r^sioui'd  July,  18(31. 

Lieut.  Col.  H.  C.  McNeill,  cominisioned  June,   1S61. 

Major  S.  A.  Lockridge,  commissioned  July,  18(31. 

J.  D.  Sayers,  Adjui.-mt. 

C.  B.  Shepard,  Sergeant  Major. 

M.  B.  Wyatt,  A.  Q.  M. 

J.  H.  Beck,  A.  C.  S. 

F.  Bracht,  Surgeon. 

J.  M.  Broiiaugh,  Assistant  Surgeon. 
J.  R.  -McPhail 

SINCE  OCTOBER  1st,  1864. 
Col.  H.  C.  McNeill,  commissioned  May  4th,  1805. 
Lieut.  Col.  D.  W.  Shannon    " 
Major  It.  A.  McPhail 
J.  B.  Wilkins,  Adjutant. 
II.  D.  Dawson,   Sergeant  Major, 

G.  L.  Wilson,  A.  Q,  M. 
J.  W.  Watkins,  A.  C.  S. 
J.  M.  Broiiaugh,  Surgeon. 

J.  R.  McPhail,  AiR.sistaut  Surgeon. 

Todd 

No  Chaplain. 

Original  Organization  of  the  Seventh  Texas 

Cavalry. 

Col.  William  Steele,  comniissioned    August,   1861. 
Lieut.  Col.  J.  S.  Sutton         "  October     " 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE.  149 

Major   A.  P.  Bagby  "  "  " 

T.  C.  Howard,  Adjutant. 

J.  M.  Ferguson,  Sergeant  Major. 

W.  L.  Ogden,  A.  Q.  M. 

A.  R.  Lee,  A.  C.  S. 

G.  Cupples,  Surgeon. 

J.  W.  Cunningham,  Assistant  Surgeon. 

T.  B.  Greenwood 

No  Chaplain. 

ORGANIZATION  SINCE  OCTOBER,  1864. 

Col.  Phil.  Herbert. 
Lieut.  Col.  G.  Hoffman. 
J.  0.  Taylor,  Adjutant. 

Brazier,  Sergeant  Major. 

L.  C.  Fisher,  A.  Q.  M. 

Goodrich,  A.  C.  S. 

W.  M.  Mclver,  Surgeon. 

T.  B.  Greenwood,  Assistant  Surgeon. 

No  Chaplain. 

Waller's   Battalion. 

ijieUt.  Col.  E.  Waller,  Jr.,  commissioned  June,  1862. 

Major  H.  H.  Boone. 

D.  C.  Proctor,  Adjutant. 

J.  H.  Hirshfield,  A.  Q.  M. 

W.  nines,  A.  C.  S. 

R.  C.  AVatson,  Assistant  Surgeon. 

Names  with  Rank  of  Line  Officers  of  the  Foiirli  Texas 

Cavalry. 

Note — The  first  four  names  are  the  original  officers;   hose  marked 
*  are  officers  assigned  elsewhere   to  duty. 

Co.  A-Capt  W  P  Hardeman  J  A  Pinkston 

Lt  L  Stevenson  W  P  Atkinsoi 

J  C  Roberts  ,                             M  Copenhava- 

N  D  Cartwright  J  L  Bunting 

J  II  Barns  J  E  Hart* 

I  E  Green  Co.  C-Capt  G  J  Hmpton 

A  N  Wood  Lt  C  C  Lini 

B  E  Trasier  F  A  Fenne 

S  B  Many*  H  E  Leobetzc* 

Co.  B-Capt  A  J  Scharbourg  L  V  Roedr 

Lt  J  B  Hollard  J  F  Coffij 

J  Nix  S  R  Hyflt 

E  R  Lane  J  T  Waford* 


150 


A  HISTORY  ©F  THK 


Co.  C--L  Burgerwctze* 
Co.  1)-C  M  La.suro 

I.t  A  15 1'arrot 

11  (1  Carter 

P  M  Kalb 

C  inVi!sm 

M  Maitlgeon 
Co.  P]-Capt  Chas  Buckliokls 

Lt  J  M  Noble 

J  II  Long 

11  Troter 

J  llilorrow 

R  T  William 
Co.  F-Capt  J  M  Crossou 

D  R  McCoi-mick 

13  L  Taylor 

"W  J  Carringtou 

W  O  Allen 

F  A  Ilanaiey 
Co.  G-Capt  M  T  on  Ileuvell 

Lt  V  Voglesary 

J  Gcisekt! 

A  Scblick 

J  Marburger 


Co.  II--Capt 


Ruak 


Harris 
Findley 


Co  I- 


F  .AI  Rainbolt 
Ca|)t  AV  L  Alexander 
A  F  Wibsou* 
J  F  Star* 
T  T  Pitta* 
-D  A  Nunn 
J  M  Odell 
Lt  W  E  Moore 
Capt  J  P  Stevenson 
T  E  Dunn 
W  II  Monday 
W  L  Aloore* 
Co.  K--Capt  W  W  Ford 
Lt  E  L  Robb 
Cnpt  C  S  Henry 
"VV  J  Tboinp.son 
J  T  Hogg 
W  J  L  Ramsey 
S  B  Findley 
A  F  Wilson 


Line  Officers  of  tlie  Fillli  Texas  Cavalry. 


Co.  A--CapliS  C  Sbropsliire 

J  Wigbt 

D  A  kubbard 

P  J  (Aks 

S  M  A\V"lls 

W  S  Lkd 

W  L  B.W 

S  HendiVson 

J  T  Obtain.' 

J  Car.-son\ 
Co.  B--Capt  W  ALang 

J  J  Scott 

I)  W  Bass\ 

J  N  I'ricu 

W  Mooro 

J  J  Colema\ 

J  1*  (Jonaly 

J  I'  I'arker  \ 
Co.  C--J  r  Clongl.  \ 

W  A  SliamiuA 


J  T  Stover 
J  C  Nagles 
C  C  Wiggins 
J  Henry 

Co.  D-J  II  Beck 

E  W  Ricbards 
J  G  Marsball 
D  Reid 
F  Roan 
J  H  Frair 
R  W  Rankin 
W  L  Davenport 

Co.  E--M  B  Wyatt 
N  B  Teiry 
J  M  Rainwater 
C  M  Ponderson 
W  G  Wilkins* 
J  P  Presley 
A  Tcctard 

Co.  F--C  W  Campbell 


•<(^ 


OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADE. 


loi 


Co.  F--M  Brown 

J  A  Sheppard 
B  B  Seat 
H  C  Cunie 
G  W  lilcNeeae 
M  P  Keer 

Co.  G--Capt  J  B  McCowon 
S  S  Cannon 
AV  M  Francis 
J  'hi  Purvino 

Co.  H--Capt  R  8  Pridgeon 
W  W  Appling 
D  Corwin* 
J  A  Clinton* 


Z  C  Wilson* 

T  HLand 

J II  Gox 
Co.  I.--./GKellougl. 

E  N  Miller 

J  A  Darbey 

E,  J  Robinson 

JB  Williams 

R  0  Farris 
Co.  ]v--Capt  C  L  Jordan 

JW  Sayrs 

/N  Roach 

/FCole 

H  S  Sisk 


Line  Officers  of  the  Seventh  Texas  Cavalry. 


Co.  A-P  Jordan 

A  S  Thurmond 
H  H  McGrew 
J  A  Burks 
J  A  Dowden 
R  DarlvBon 
T  J  Hale 

Co.  B-G  Hoffman 

S  Shnarfhoff 
C  Connard 
H  Marchold 

Co.  C-H  M  Burrows 
J  C  Robi^'on 
J  ill  Snyder 
S  D  Lacy 
•Co.  D-IIH  Clever 
H  A  Parton 
A  L  Hunderburg 
G  W  Eaton 
R  W  Thompson 
R  J  Fuller 
M  Cushman 

Co.  E-W  L  Kirksey 
S  F  Tullos 
C  T  Chandler 
J  C  Ileslep 
,T  A  Farley 
J  C  Oglosbery 
H  H  McClandon 
J  B  Anderson 


P  F  Farley 

Co.  F- J  F  Wiggins 
J  W  Gray 
AP  Goldensberry 
S  D  Montgomery 
CM  Cook 
F  H  Edmonds 
P  H  Johnson 
W  C  Wii^gins 

Co,  G-H  H  Fisher 
W  Hoday 
W  H  Lee 
J  J  Scott 
A  Middleton 
W  Bobins 
B  D  Sessums 
J  A  Robinson 
J  B  Cunningham 

Co.  H-J  Adair 

E  Q  Hadley 
B  B  Arrington 
J  M  Daniel 
G  W  Hennis 
W  W  Davis 
J  M  Porter 
J  M  Saxon 

Co.  I--J  W  Gardner 
W  Bickey 
J  W  Taylor 
C  H  MilU 


lo2 


A  HISTORy  OF  THE  OLD  SIBLEY  BRIGADK 


Co.  I.--C  C  Horn 
B  F  Bioyla 
J  E  Bisliop 
W  Lampkin 

Co.  K--J  0  Moody 


Co. 


K--L  G  A  Steele 
J  G  Bowman 
J  r  Smith 
B  L  Pate 
E  B  Doggett 


Line  Officers  of  Waller's  Battalion. 


Co.  A-J  B  V  January 
R  X  AVeisiger 
J  J  Nuner 
E  R  Wells* 
W  P  Baughan* 
Pat  Hughes 
R  A  Weisiger* 
R  D  LaGaze* 
S  L  Kyle* 

Co.  B-T  P  Hightower 
J  R  Morris 
J  W  Perkins 
R  A  Marliu 
W  0  Smith 
F  Barnes 
-W  A  McDade 
T  S  McDade 
N  Cochran 
H  S  Smith 


Co.  C- 


J  W  Bostwick* 
II  C  Cofield* 

Co.  D-W  U  Blair 
J  W  Reid 
B  Q  Ward 
II  H  Boono 
C  I^I  Barlow 
R  R  Boiling 

Co.  E-D  S  Woodward 
C  CCox 
A  Murdock 
A  C  Jones* 
H  Earle 
D  Lewis 

Co.  F--/C  Terrell 
J  C  Johnson 
J  W  Bradner 
B  F  Arthur 
J  F  Ellison 


THE  END. 


m 


